XHTML Block
Digest
An XHTML block is a reusable block of content that provides a rich word processing (WYSIWYG) interface for editing content. Unlike the text block counterpart, an XHTML block allows for a wide range of HTML elements to be created inside of its editing environment extending to items such as images, links, tables, and bullet points in addition to other standard text formatting.
XHTML blocks are particularly useful for fixed regions of content such as headers and footers that need to stay constant among all pages within the site. A single change to one of these blocks will be present across all pages of the site that make use of the block. The basic level of modularity improves the scalability of the website in addition to allowing for easier "quick edits" that cannot be easily performed if the content were to remain in the body of the overall template.
Concept
Due to its inherent flexibility for content editing, it is possible that certain fixed-width/height pieces of content in an XHTML block (for example HTML tables) can affect the overall integrity of the template if they are sized to be larger than the allowed width of the content region. It is suggested, therefore, that only users with this understanding be given write access to XHTML blocks.
Technical
Creating an XHTML Block
An XHTML Block is a great way to reuse content across multiple pages.
To create an XHTML Block:
- In the Home Area, select New -> Default -> Block.
- Select the type of block you wish to create. In this case, it will be XHTML Block.
- On the Content pane:
Enter your content in the WYSIWYG editor just as you would on a page. - On the Metadata pane:
Enter any Metadata desired. - On the System pane:
Name - Type in the name of your new block.
Parent Folder - This is where the block will be stored. It's most useful to store blocks in a central or common location. - Click Submit to save your block
XHTML blocks may be edited or deleted by selecting the block and choosing the appropriate tab.
More on XHTML Blocks for Administrators and Managers
An XHTML block is defined by the following WSDL:
An XHTML block contains XHTML content via the "xhtml" field.