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CT - Content Block

Content Types in The CMS

Find out more about how content types should be used to create content

Before creating a web page, it is important to consider the content that it will display and the best content types that should be used to create a simple and clear layout. Our content type guidance and examples will help you with this.

View All CMS Content Types
EU commerce

Specific Guidance

The maximum image dimensions are 800 x 533 pixels.

General Guidance

  • Organise Content Blocks: Avoid condensing all information into a single content block. If your content includes multiple data types, structure it into separate blocks for easier maintenance and future edits.
  • Use Headings Properly: Headings should be used to group content and establish hierarchy, not for styling. Proper heading usage improves both accessibility and readability.
  • Internal and External Links: When linking within your website, use Section Links and Content Links, as the Web CMS automatically updates these if content is reorganised. For external links, always use the full URL of the destination website or resource.
  • Third-Party Content and Custom Code: Do not embed unapproved third-party content or add custom code without consulting our team via the IT Service Desk.

Visit our section How to Write for the Web for some guidance on creating and maintaining content on your website.

Images and Documents

All assets for use on our website must be properly prepared before they are added to the Media Library.

  • Copyright Compliance: Ensure all assets are sourced responsibly. If using third-party assets, obtain the necessary permissions before uploading to avoid copyright infringements.
  • Accessibility: Documents must be fully accessible before being added to the Media Library for website use.
  • Optimising Assets: Images must match the required dimensions (Width x Height) for use with Content Types. These requirements are provided in field descriptions and form guidance. Document file size must be optimised for upload to the Media Library and for use on the web. The maximum file size for upload to the Media Library is 5MB (megabytes).
  • Filename Convention: Users must ensure that assets are named correctly before they are uploaded to the Media Library. Assets must only contain lowercase letters (a to z), numerals 0-9) and hyphens (-). Avoid spaces, special characters, or uppercase letters.

Visit our Media Library information section for more guidance and resources.

Accessibility Guidance

Please use the following guidance to help make sure your content adheres to accessibility regulations:

  • Do not create images with embedded text.
  • Do not add image Alt Text / Description to your image if it is decorative.
  • Do not use generic link text such as 'Click Here' and 'Read More'.
  • Do not add HTML elements such as span, div, h1 or CSS to any of the fields to change the structure or styling of the Content Type. It will be removed by our team.
  • Ensure that you have added a descriptive title attribute to any third party embeds on your website such as video embeds for Panopto and YouTube.

Visit our Accessible Content Guidance for more information on how to make sure your website content is accessible.

Form Field Guidance

Name: CT - Content Block

Description: The left column includes options for a heading, lead text, subtext, and a link, while the right column requires an image.

Field NameField DescriptionSizeTypeRequired
NameThis the name of your content block, and is for your reference only. Make it descriptive as to the content shown.80 Charactersplain texttrue
HeadingThe red heading to signify the content theme or area. Headings show clearly what the page is about, improving usability, and are a key relevancy factor for search engines., so include keywords.60 Charactersplain texttrue
Introductory TextDevise an interesting subheading that clearly describes the content, that includes at least one keyword to improve visibility on search engines. This copy should be succinct, engaging and actionable.200 Charactersplain textfalse
Sub TextSupplementary copy for the content block. Ensure it is descriptive and concise.955 Charactersplain texttrue
Image RightImage size is example pixels. Crop prior to upload2048 KilobytesMediatrue
CHOOSE Section Link OR Web Address OR NoneRadio button to specify which link, if any, to use for Column 12048 CharactersRadio Buttonfalse
Section Link for LinkIt's not accessible to use the same link text over and over on a web page. For example "Read more". Ensure the link text is relevant to the content its linking to.255 CharactersSection/Content Linkfalse
Web Address for LinkComplete this field if you have a web address255 Charactersplain textfalse
Text for Web Address LinkComplete this field if you have a web address35 Charactersplain textfalse