2. Rich text block

1. What is a Full Rich Text Block?

The “Full Rich Text Block” allows you to add additional written content on your page. You can use the block to add extra paragraphs of copy, headings, bullet point lists and hyperlinks to your page. This block can be used on several page types including project and news pages.

2. Creating a Full Rich Text Block

To add the block to your page, you must create it within the Main Content area of the CMS.

Within the “Content” tab of the content editor, navigate to the section titled “Main Content area”. Click “Select Content” then “Create a new block”. You’ll then be presented with a list of different blocks to choose from. Please select the block named “Full Rich Text Block”.

After, give the block a name. Add context to the name of the block, especially when using multiple rich text blocks on a page, to help differentiate between them easily. E.g. “Rich text structural engineering”, “Rich text quotes”, “Rich text design” etc.

There is just one field in the full rich text block. You should add paragraph headings and body text here. If you’re copying text from a word document, you should “paste as plain text” or Ctrl+Shift+V if you’re using a Windows computer. In most instances, it is best to format text in the CMS rather than bringing over formatting from a separate document.

2.1 Headings

To create a heading within the block, you should highlight the heading text and select “Header 2” in the styling dropdown list. Headers should generally be a maximum of ten words and act as wayfinding prompts for readers.

If you need a sub heading (i.e. a heading that belongs under your initial heading) then you should select 'Header 3'. This scenario may arise where you have a main heading such as 'Methods of construction' and then you talk about two separate methods as part of this i.e. 'Digital construction' and 'analogue construction'. In this example, the heading 'Methods of construction' should be Header 2, 'digital construction' and 'analogue construction' would be Header 3. A followup header such as 'Superior methods' would return to Header 2.

It is important to understand the logic used here - as the ordering of headers has an impact for search engines, but more important on the site's accessibility i.e. the ability of those with disabilities to use the website effectively.

2.2 Body text

Regular body text should not need to be formatted if you paste as plain text. If you need to add additional formatting, there are a number of options:

• Bold text
• Italic text
• Underlined text
• Subscript text e.g. CO₂
• Superscript text e.g. m²
• Bullet point list
• Numbered list

2.3 Quotes

If creating a news story, you may decide to use a Full Rich Text block to add a quote or multiple quotes. The Quote with Audio block can be distracting when used incorrectly so it’s best to add quotes longer than a couple of sentences using the Full Rich Text block.

The same applies should you be adding multiple quotes onto the page. When adding quotes this way, you should begin the quote with the person’s name followed by their job title and organisation in bold. Then include the quote.

E.g. Chris Caves, Director at Arup, commented: “The opening of the bus element at Belfast Grand Central Station is a key milestone for Northern Ireland. This state-of-the-art public transport hub will not only enhance connectivity across the region but also drive sustainable growth for the local economy. It’s a proud moment for all involved, and we’re thrilled to have played such a significant part in this flagship project.”