Content Type

Digest

content type The addition of Content Types with the release of Cascade 5.5 provides users with a way of formally aggregating Configuration Sets, Metadata Sets, and Data Definitions into a single Administrative component that can be applied to pages. Content Types provide an intuitive and logical way for end-users to identify the proper type to associate with a page by grouping together the necessary configurations for predefined page types with familiar names, such as Blog Posts, Press Releases, Announcements, etc. Much in the way Cascade Server utilizes Asset Factories to create predefined recognizable assets such as pages, templates, etc., Content Types are given simple names that clearly identify their purpose to end users. The addition of Content Types simplifies the page edit interface by consolidating previous options into one Content Type chooser. This provides a single point of control for Administrators to modify a page's Configuration Set, Metadata Set, and/or Data Definition for selected pages without requiring a Bulk Change operation.

Concept

System changes with the addition of Content Types

Administration Component

The administration component will allow for the selection of a Configuration Set, Metadata Set, and Data Definition to be grouped together for a given Content Type.

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When defining Content Type elements, three choosers are available:

  • Configuration Set (required)
  • Metadata Set (required)
  • Data Definition (optional)

Any of the above elements must be disassociated from existing Content Types before being removed to avoid incomplete Content Types. In addition, Content Types currently in use by active pages (i.e. draft, working copy, current) will need to be disassociated from those pages prior to removing/deleting the Content Type.

Page Changes

Choice of Content Type for a given page is editable.

With the initial release of Content Types, page forms include choosers for:

  • Content Type
  • Configuration Set
  • Metadata Set
  • Data Definition 

However, once a Content type has been assigned to a given page and submitted, that page's Configuration Set, Metadata Set, and Data Definition will no longer be editable or displayed on the page form (located on the "System" pane).

Versioned pages with old Data Definitions, Metadata Sets, & Configuration Sets

Previous versions of pages will continue to be associated with previously selected Data Definition(s), Metadata Set(s), and Configuration Set(s) until use of Content Types is implemented.

**Please Note - Past page versions previously associated with selected Data Definition(s), Metadata Set(s), and Configuration Set(s) will still be available. However, if these Data Definitions, Metadata Sets, and Configuration Sets were to be deleted, their association with a particular page is lost. If this is the case, upon reactivation of that page version, users will be prompted to select one of the new Content Types.

Bulk Change

Bulk changing of Content Types will be available for any and all assets that have a Content Type assigned.

**Please Note - Bulk changing a Configuration Set or Metadata Set will only affect pages without Content Types assigned.

Integrate Folder & New Site Wizard Tools

When integrating new pages using the Integrate Folder or New Site Wizard tools, new pages must use either the base page’s Content Type or a Configuration Set.

Technical

Creating a Content Type

**Please Note - Content Types require the use of an existing Metadata Set, Configuration Set and an optional Data Definition.

To create a new Content Type:

  1. In the Administration area, select ‘Content Types’ from the left navigation area.
  2. Navigate to the desired container, or create a new container to hold the new Content Type.
  3. Click New Content Type.
    content types 2
  4. In the General pane, complete the following:
    1. Name – Enter a descriptive name for your Content Type.
    2. Configuration Set - Select a Configuration Set to use for Assets that use your Content Type (*required*)
    3. Metadata Set - Select a Metadata Set to use Assets that use your Content Type (*required*)
    4. Data Definition - Select a Data Definition to use for Assets that use your Content Type (*optional*)
    5. Parent Container – This value will already be set to the current container, but it can be changed, if desired, by clicking the chooser icon.
      content types 3
  5. Click Submit to save your new Content Type.

Editing a Content Type

To edit a Content Type:
  1. In the Administration area, select ‘Content Types’ from the left navigation area.
  2. Navigate to the desired Content Type and select it.
  3. Click Edit.
  4. In the General pane, update the following:
    1. Name – Enter a descriptive name for your Content Type.
    2. Configuration Set - Select a new Configuration Set to use for Assets that use your Content Type (*required*)
    3. Metadata Set - Select a new Metadata Set to use Assets that use your Content Type (*required*)
    4. Data Definition - Select a new Data Definition to use for Assets that use your Content Type (*optional*)
    5. Parent Container - This value will already be set to the current container, but it can be changed, if desired, by clicking the chooser icon.
  5. Click Submit to save your new Content Type.

Applying a Content Type to a page

Content Types are assignable at the individual page level and can also be set for multiple pages using the Bulk Change tool.

  1. Navigate to the desired page, and select the ‘Edit’ tab.
  2. In the System pane, select the Content Type chooser and navigate to the desired Content Type.
    content types 4
  3. Once you've selected the Content Type, click on the Metadata pane. The available Metadata fields displayed will be updated and are determined by the fields that exist in the new Content Type. The Data Definition fields and the Page Configurations will not be updated until a subsequent edit of the page.
  4. Click ‘Submit’ to save your changes.
content type warning

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