Article type

While an article contains the specific content such as text, images, links, etc., the article template manages the layout and functionality of the article. The article type manages all the elements (fields) used in the article.

The article type represents the actual configuration of the article. The fields that are to appear in the subsequent article object are created, configured, managed and grouped here. The fields can be categorised in tabs. The order of the fields in the article type also determines the order of the fields in the article object.

Creating an article type object

An article type is created in the Article types folder by clicking on + New/article type. You can find this in the left-hand folder navigation in the Settings folder.

A new field for an item type is created by clicking the "New field" button.

The following field types can be added to an item:

• Single-line entry - Provides a simple, single-line entry
• Multiline input - Creates an input field for multiline text
• Multiline input (formatted) - Like multiline input but embedded in a WYSIWYG editor
• Multiple Line Input (HTML Editor - Like Multiple Line Input (Formatted) but with a full HTML editor
• Single selection - Creates a drop-down list
• Multiple selection - Creates a checkbox list
• Boolean (True/False) - Creates a checkbox
• Image - Creates an image picker
• Image (List) - Creates a list of images
• Url - Creates a single line input with URLpicker
• Links (List) - Creates a list of links
• Date with time - Allows you to enter date and time with calendar picker
• Color - Creates an input field for a color with color picker
• Container - Creates a container picker
• Container (List) - Creates a list of containers
• Values (List) - Creates a list of values

There are also special field types that are intended for the design and documentation of the article.

1. Separator - Creates a horizontal line to separate the fields
2. Documentation - Displays the text entered in the default field

Article type with separator (1) and documentation field (2)

Configuration of the documentation field (2) in the article type object

This is what the separator (1) and documentation field (2) look like in the article.

Configuration, Extended & Integration

The fields in the article type can be configured and edited via the three tabs Configuration, Extended and Integration.

Configuration

The following setting options are available in the Configuration tab of the fields:

1. Name
   Name (label) of the field. The name is displayed in the configuration overview and in the article as the field label.
2. Role
   System role that this field should take on. A role is used to assign system properties so that Evalanche has a context for the respective field. This assignment is used for template programming and for some TAL replacement variables. When creating a field type, only one role can be defined. If the field is then edited, all system roles can be assigned.
3. Data type
   The type of content of the respective field is defined by the data type. The data type can be subsequently changed as long as no article with this configuration has been created.
4. Internal name
   Name used by the system as a unique identifier. This is used to generate the replacement variable and for access via TAL. The internal name is generated automatically when the name is entered, but can also be set manually. The internal name of a field must be unique and may only consist of capital letters and numbers.
5. Help text
   This text is displayed in the article view when the mouse cursor is positioned over the question mark symbol of the respective field. If no help text is entered, no question mark symbol is displayed.
6. Input help
   The input help is displayed directly below the input and can be used as quick help or for hints on the input (e.g. optimum number of words, etc.).
7. Category
   Category (tab) under which the field is to be sorted.
8. Mandatory
   If this checkbox is activated, the article can only be saved if this field is filled in.
9. Show
   If this checkbox is activated, the field is displayed in the article configuration in the article object. If it is deactivated, the field is hidden in the article object.

Extended

In the Extended tab in the Default section, you can define a default value for a field that is to be pre-filled when a new item is created.

If the field has not been filled in the article, an alternative field can be defined in the Fallback section, the content of which should then be used as a replacement.

Integration

The replacement variable of the respective field for use in article templates is stored in the Integration tab.