CMS frequently asked questions
- CMS interface/WYSIWYG editor
- Why doesn't my WYSIWYG editor have the same tools as shown in the training documentation?
- Why is the status of some files "Checked-out?"
- What do the different statuses (Modified, Submitted, and Approved) mean?
- How does the approval feature work?
- Can I edit the left side links/navigation?
- How do I create single spaces between lines rather than double?
- Do I crop/resize the images before uploading to the CMS, or can I edit them within CMS?
- How do I make an image a link ("clickable")?
- How do I create an email link?
- How do I create forms using the CMS?
- Should I log out of the CMS when all done editing?
- Where can I find CMS help/tutorials?
- Uploading files
- CMS emails/notifications
- Content style/guidelines
Still have questions? See the CMS guide/training web page and/or email webmaster@llu.edu.
CMS interface/WYSIWYG editor
- Why doesn't my WYSIWYG editor have the same tools as shown in the training documentation?
You need to change your editor by clicking "Change editor" on the left side of the CMS interface while in the "CMS Home" view. Choose "New Editor." - Why is the status of some files "Checked-out?"
If a web team member or another contributor is editing a file, its status will be "checked out." If the checked out date is a day or more ago, it probably means the person editing it has finished, but you should check with him or her to make sure before you edit the file. You must check the file back in before you can edit it. - What do the different statuses (Modified, Submitted, and Approved) mean?
A "Modified" file has been revised in some manner. It will not be published and contributors can work on it at a later time. "Submitted" files have been revised and are ready for the web team to review and publish to the live site. Do not click "Submit Page" unless you're ready for the file to be publicly accessible. If a file's status is "Approved," then the person responsible for approving the page has done so. This feature is not yet functional and the approval button should not be used until further notice. - How does the approval feature work?
The approval feature is not yet functional. Click "Submit Page," not "Approve" when you're ready for a revised web page to be published. The web team will inform you about the approval feature when it is available. - Can I edit the left side links/navigation?
You do not have access to edit these links; however, you may ask a web team member to make changes on the side navigation for you. - How do I create single spaces between lines rather than double?
Hold shift when you press return to single space. - Do I crop/resize the images before uploading to the CMS, or can I edit them within CMS?
You must first crop and resize images using an image editing program such as Adobe Photoshop before uploading them. Do not use the WYSIWYG image button or HTML code to change the dimensions. - How do I make an image a link ("clickable")?
While editing a page, select the image from which you want to create a link, then click the insert/edit hyperlink button in the WYSIWYG editor toolbar. Enter the URL. If you link an image it is a good idea to set the border field in the image properties window to zero--otherwise a blue border may appear. Also keep in mind that, depending upon the image, web site visitors may not realize it is clickable. - How do I create an email link?
The procedure to create an email link is similar to creating a regular link. Highlight the text from which you want to link. Then, once you have pressed the hyperlink button (chain link icon), select “E-Mail” from the “Link Type” drop-down menu. You can specify the email address, as well as the subject for the email and text that will appear in the message itself. - How do I create forms using the CMS?
You may upload forms as PDFs and Word documents. Ask a web team member for assistance creating an online form. - Should I log out of the CMS when all done editing?
Yes--you can do this by clicking the "Logout" button on the left in the "CMS Home" view. - Where can I find CMS help/tutorials?
You may click the "Guidelines for Web Developers" link that appears when you're editing a page in the CMS. CMS guides and other information are linked on the side menu. See the CMS guide/training web page.
Uploading files
- Can I upload a total maximum of 4 MB or can each file be 4 MB?
Each file can be up to 4 MB. You should, however, optimize files to be as small as possible--4 MB is quite large to download, especially on a dial-up connection. - How can I view the files I've uploaded?
While editing a file, click the "View images in this folder" and/or the "View documents in this folder" links above the WYSIWYG editor. If you do not have any images or documents uploaded in the file/directory in which you're working, these links will not appear.
CMS emails/notifications
- Why do I get CMS page reminders for my area? Do I have to do anything?
You receive page reminders because you are a contributor responsible for maintaining web content and all pages have life spans or expirations set. The default page life span is 90 days. Web team members can adjust this if, for example, the page contains time sensitive information such as an event. The reminders are sent to help prevent content from becoming outdated and remind you to check it. If the content is up to date, you do not need to do anything. You will receive another reminder at the next set interval.
Content style/guidelines
- Can I include animated gifs and Flash files?
It depends--you should avoid images/files that are too busy or distracting. If the file serves a purpose and moves at a moderate pace, it is probably appropriate. Please ask a web team member to review the files you want to add. Please also read the Guidelines/Checklist for Web Page Authors.
Still have questions? See the CMS guide/training web page and/or email webmaster@llu.edu.