Skip to Content

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
NameEnter a descriptive and easily identifiable name for your content block, such as "Study and Career Block 1."80 Charactersplain textYes
HeadingAdd a short, descriptive heading to provide context for the content (limit: 60 characters). Do not add HTML code, as it may break the layout and affect accessibility.60 Charactersplain textYes
Introductory TextAdd a lead paragraph with slightly larger text for emphasis (limit: 200 characters). Do not add HTML code, as it may break the layout and affect accessibility.200 Charactersplain textNo
Sub TextProvide a brief overview of the content or topic, ensuring that it is descriptive and concise (limit: 500 characters). Do not add HTML code, as it may break the layout and affect accessibility.955 Charactersplain textYes
Image RightClick 'Select media' to choose an image from the Media Library or upload a new one. The required image size for this content type is 800 x 533 pixels (width x height).2048 KilobytesMediaYes
CHOOSE Section Link OR Web Address OR NoneSelect an option below to add a section link or web address below the main text, then complete the associated fields. Choose 'None' if you do not want to add a link.2048 CharactersRadio ButtonNo
Section Link for LinkAdd a link to another section or piece of content on your website within Terminalfour. Uncheck the 'Use default link text' box to enter custom link text.255 CharactersSection/Content LinkNo
Web Address for LinkEnter the full URL, including the protocol (e.g., https://www.qub.ac.uk), when linking to an external website.255 Charactersplain textNo
Text for Web Address LinkEnter the text you want to display as the link. Avoid using generic text like 'Click Here' or 'Read More.'35 Charactersplain textNo