Content Management Systems, like Drupal, allow content creators to log in to the browser to create content using online forms. It is hopefully intuitive but it is helpful to understand the various pieces, how they work together and some of the terminology. Always, follow the inline instructions on the forms.
There are different forms to fill out for each types of content, such as news or events. We call these “Content Types.” Each Content Type creates a “Detail Page,” which is a singular page for the content piece. The creation form may have “Categories“ or other configurations that will trigger various actions in the interface, such as sorting, featuring or filtering.
Most of the Content Types, except Flex page, are used to create a “Landing Page“ which aggregates a “teaser” summary snippet for each item with a link to the Detail Page. Landing Pages frequently use Categories to provide exposed filters for website visitors within drop down and select boxes.
The Flex page Content Type and some other Content Types provide an editor interface called “Layout Builder” which provides many “Block” types that allow content creators to layout pages with different configurations and styles. Capabilities are demonstrated on the Content Editor Guide of your website.
Some of the Content Types can be used to create a special Block type, called a “Listing Block” within the Layout Builder Content Types, such as the Flex page.
Content Types
- Flex page – Create standard pages of content for the website. They comprise most pages included in the site navigation. They are created with Layout Builder.
- News – Create news items that will automatically aggregate in a Landing Pages of news teasers, and be available as a Listing block within Layout Builder. News items typically use Categories.
- Profiles – Create biographical content pages that will automatically aggregate in a Landing Pages for faculty and staff, and sometimes for students or other groupings, and be available as a Listing block within Layout Builder. Profile typically use Categories.
- Events – Create event items that will automatically aggregate in a Landing Pages of upcoming, past event, and on some sites a calendar, and be available as a Listing block within Layout Builder. Events typically use Categories. Please see the detailed instructions for Events.
- Alumni News – Created on the College of Fine Arts website where they are included in a college wide landing page of alumni news. An automated sharing system transfers the items to the appropriate academic department website to automatically generate a landing page on the respective site.
- Specialty content types, such as Ensembles on the Butler School of Music or Our Work on the School of Design and Creative Technologies.
If you want to really understand the magic of content types read this useful guide.
When you’re ready, please see important instructions about how to create content on this website.
