Creating Reusable Blocks

Speed up your workflow and simplify content management with Reusable Blocks, a powerful new YaleSites feature. 

Reusable Blocks empower you to create content once and reuse it across your YaleSite. Any changes made to a Reusable Block are immediately reflected anywhere the Reusable Block appears. This functionality is beneficial when you need to standardize elements like Custom Cards, Callouts, or custom Views.  

Common uses include: 

  • Creating a Block for recurring events 
  • Consistently displaying calls-to-action across multiple pages 
  • Including a Card with contact information 

Create a Reusable Block

The primary method for creating a Reusable Block is as easy as adding non-reusable content. After selecting from the Block picker, you will see a new toggle option labeled “Reusable Block.” Once you’ve finished entering your content, toggle “Reusable Block” before adding the Block to your page. You will now have access to the “Reusable Block title” field, which allows you to provide a descriptive name for your reusable content. You can use this title to differentiate Reusable Blocks or leave it blank to default to your Block’s Administrative label. Once you click the “Add block” button, you will have successfully created a Reusable Block! 

When you open the Block picker, you will have access to a new library of Reusable Blocks after the “Advanced” section. Now, you can add reusable content to your YaleSite as you would any other Block.

Layout Builder indicates which Blocks are reusable by adding a blue border and a globe icon. You can drag and drop, edit, and configure them just like standard Blocks, with one crucial difference: any changes made to a Reusable Block’s settings will be reflected across all instances of the Block. For example, if you change the Background Color of a reusable Callout Block, your new color choice will be used anywhere you’ve placed the Callout. Knowing this, we advise you to edit with purpose!

Block with icon indicating it is reusable

The globe icon indicates a Block is reusable.

Managing Reusable Blocks

A new “Manage Reusable Blocks” link is now available in the top administrative toolbar under the Content menu. This page displays all the Reusable Blocks on your YaleSite. You can sort them by description, Block type, or the date they were last updated. Click on a Reusable Block to edit its contents, or delete it if necessary. You can also add a new Reusable Block by clicking “Add Reusable Block” on the top right of this page. 

reusable blocks can be managed through the admin dashboard

You can also visit Content: Manage Reusable Blocks to view and manage your site’s Reusable Blocks.

V1.1.0 Release Demo Including Reusable Blocks

Reusable block demo starts at 4:27