Using the Content Item Editor

This feature is available on all plans.
Users with the view all content items or manage content items permission can view or edit a content item, respectively.

The content item editor page is divided into two sections: the actual content editor and the sidebar widgets. The appearance of the content editor changes depending on the template or custom structure used on the content item you're viewing. For the purposes of this article, we'll use a content item that's using the blog article custom structure preset.

Content Editor

The content editor takes up most of the page. Its exact appearance will vary depending on the template used. Learn more about templates here. It will also include additional features if the content item is using a custom structure. Learn more about custom structure here. It is divided into four main sections: the info block, tabs, action buttons, and tab content.

Info Block

The info block displays the information about the content item. If there's no one assigned to the content item, you can claim it if your role is responsible for the current workflow status or assign it to someone else if you have the permission to do so. In certain scenarios, it can also tell you why you can't edit a content item despite being able to view it.

Tabs

The tabs section displays all the available tabs for the content item. Tabs can be created and customized using templates or added and removed directly on the page if the content item uses a custom structure. They help organize the information in your content item. For example, you can create a tab for your article's text, then have a separate tab for assets, notes, guidelines, resources, etc.

On the right edge of this section, you will see the full-screen toggle. Clicking this makes the entire content editor section fill the available screen space. This is great if you want to focus on writing without visual clutter.

Action Buttons

The section contains buttons that allow the currently assigned user(s) to perform various actions on the content item. Things like submitting it to the next status, approving it, saving a version, etc. The available buttons will vary depending on your role and permissions, as well as the item's current workflow status.

If you're viewing a content item as a user with full permissions, the following are available in the action buttons section (from left to right):

• Change workflow - change the content item's current workflow status.
• Save version - allows you to create a version or a backup of the content item that can be viewed and restored at any time. You can also compare versions to see the changes between them. Learn more about versions here.
• Share - allows you to generate a shareable link that you can give to anyone, allowing them to view the content item without having to register an account with EasyContent or inviting them to your account. Learn more about shareable links here.
• Export - allows you to export the content item as HTML or DOCX. If WordPress integration is set up, the option to publish it to WordPress will also be available. Learn more about WordPress integration here.
• Edit with AI - use EasyAI to make changes or improvements to the content item. Learn more about EasyAI here.

Tab Content

The tab content section will change depending on the content item's template or custom structure layout.

Custom Structure

As stated earlier, we are using a content item that uses the "blog article" custom structure preset as an example for this article. With that as the preset, you'll see the fields named "title", "short summary", "body", "featured image", and "attachments".

You can add or remove fields at any time as long as you have the manage structure permission. Learn more about custom structure here.

Templates

If your content item is using a template, the only difference is that you cannot add fields or change the layout directly in the content item editor page. You'll have to go to the templates page to change the layout or add or remove fields. Doing so will affect all content items using that template. Learn more about templates here.

Sidebar

The sidebar has three tabs: Controls, Comments, and Versions.

Controls

The controls tab, as the name implies, contains the control widgets. Through these widgets, you can change the content item's workflow status, change assigned users, add deadlines, etc.

Item Details Widget

This widget holds the content item's metadata and what template it uses. Adding a proper title, keywords, description, and categories makes it easier for your writers to understand what they need to write about. In addition to that, this will help you easily search and organize your content items.

Workflow Status Widget

This widget displays the item's workflow statuses, responsible people, and deadlines. The options available here will vary depending on various factors, such as the viewing user's role and permissions and the item's current status.

If you see a clipboard icon next to a user's name in this widget, it means they've left feedback or a message regarding the content item. Click on it to view it.

If you have the appropriate permission, you can click on a status to set it as the item's current status. You can also use the dropdown menu to do so.

Messages Widget

If you are responsible for at least one workflow status of a content item, users can send you a message regarding that content item. This widget will display that message. Note that users with view communication report permission can see all messages.

Comments

The comments tab lets you view all comments on the content item. If you have the manage comments permission, you can delete or edit any comments here.

Adding Comments

There are multiple ways to add comments.

The first is by going to the comments tab, then clicking the Add new comment button. You can mention other users by typing "@" followed by their name. Comments can recognize links. You can add a link to your comment, and it will automatically be converted to a hyperlink.

The second way to add a comment is by selecting some text in the text editor and clicking comment from the context menu that will appear. You can also hover your mouse over the right edge of a field (like the title field), and the insert comment icon will appear.

If there's a single image field with an image, you can enable commenting mode to leave a comment on a specific part of an image.

Replying to Comments

To reply to a comment, click reply under the comment card you want to reply to.

Editing and Deleting Your Comments

You can edit or delete your comments by clicking the three-dot menu next to them. Note that users with the manage comments permission will be able to modify and delete all comments.

Versions

You can access all the content item versions in the "Versions" tab. A version is created when you click the save version button in the action buttons section or whenever the content item changes its status. The "current" version is automatically updated whenever any changes happen to the content item.

Note that the "current" version is automatically updated every time a change is made to the content item.

Save a version by clicking the "save version" button in the action buttons section. You can then rename it if you want. Click on a version in the sidebar to preview its content. You can learn more about versions here.

Conclusion

You are now ready to start creating amazing content with your team! You might also want to check out our templates help article next.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to shoot us a message at support@easycontent.io, and we'll be more than happy to assist you!