Sitecore is a powerful content management system that offers numerous features to streamline content editing. In this article, we'll explore 11 small but impactful tips to make your content editing experience in Sitecore more intuitive and efficient.
Implement help text: Adding descriptive help text to template fields can be a lifesaver for content editors. Clear explanations of what each field is for will guide editors and reduce errors, resulting in more accurate content.
Use custom icons: When navigating through the Sitecore content tree, it's easy to identify items if they have custom icons, which provide visual cues about the type and purpose of each item. This makes it quicker to find the content needed.
Include thumbnails: Incorporate thumbnails for visual identification of renderings, if practical. For example, take a screenshot of the component and use it as a thumbnail to help content editors quickly find the renderings they need.
Link DataSource to a reuseable content section: If an instance of a rendering is likely to share a DataSource template with many others, link the DataSource location to a reusable content section. This ensures that content editors can easily access and select reusable items, enhancing content consistency and speeding up the content editing process.
Include standard values: Standard values in templates simplify content creation. By including default content for fields, you save editors time and ensure that new items start with consistent information.
Leverage insert options: Customize insert options to guide content editors. By specifying which templates can be added under a particular item, you maintain content structure and consistency.
Customize the rich text editor: Tailor the rich text editor toolbar in Sitecore to include only the necessary options. This simplification can make the editor more user-friendly and prevent overwhelming content editors with too many choices.
Use clear display names: Use meaningful display names for templates and items. Clear and descriptive names make it easier for content editors to identify the purpose of each item and template.
Organize the media library: Efficiently organizing and managing your media assets in the media library can greatly speed up the process of adding and editing multimedia content in your pages. Properly named and categorized assets are easier to locate and use.
Utilize sort order for content organization: Use the sort order field to arrange content items effectively within folders and sections. Sorting items in a logical order simplifies content navigation and makes it easier for editors to locate specific items, ensuring a more organized content structure.
Use content buckets: Make use of buckets to keep content organized. Buckets help sort all your items into neat categories, automatically allowing the user to quickly search and find what they’re looking for, which makes it much easier to manage lots of content.
By implementing these eleven small but impactful tips, you can significantly enhance the content editing experience in Sitecore. These practices save time, reduce errors, and empower your content editors to work more efficiently.