Understanding content types
A single website can contain many types of content, such as informational pages, news items, polls, blog posts, academic programs listings, etc. In Drupal, each item of content is called a node, and each node belongs to a single content type, which defines various default settings for nodes of that type, such as whether the node is published automatically and whether comments are permitted. (Note that in previous versions of Drupal, content types were known as node types.)
Current content types
Article
Articles are generally used for information that is updated more frequently and often cross-referenced and categorized (such as news items or resources). By default, Articles are sorted with the most recent post at the top.
Basic page
The Basic page content type is used for static content that can (but are not required to) be linked into the main navigation bar. This is one of the most "basic" content types and can be very flexible.
Person page
The Person page content type is specifically for person profiles. This can include not only students, staff, and faculty, but also individuals who are the focus of events or news articles in your site, thus allowing you to link their person page to the related content.
Event page
The Event page content type is a simple variation on an Event notice. An event listing will dynamically appear in your site if you decide to create any Event pages. Person pages can be attached to this content type. This is a simple event listing solution so, if you need something more robust, users are welcome to include the campus' Trumba system instead.
Image gallery page
The Image gallery content type will allow you to display collections and albums of images.
Can I create my own custom content types?
Yes. But only users with the Builder role can create new content types.
Taking the step to become a Site Builder is not one to take on lightly. This requires you to already know how to develop and theme in the Drupal environment, including knowledge of local development, HTML, CSS, and Drupal interface mechanics. Advanced work like this is considered custom and is not supported by the SiteFarm service. That said, if you choose to do this, you are welcome to bring questions to our Drupal Co-working Sessions held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Check out our Events page to find out when the next session is scheduled to take place and join us.
If you are an editor or contributor in your site, speak with your site manager for guidance. If you're a site manager, please contact the SiteFarm team at sitefarm@ucdavis.edu for assistance in exploring whether adding the Site Builder role is a good next step for you.