Replacing Slider content block

October 21, 2024 Content Blocks, Content Blocks removal project, Gutenberg, Updates

The slider content block has been used in several ways, and there are multiple improved options to choose from.

Slider as a selection in the Content Blocks page editor:

A screenshot of the slider content block selection icon.

The dialog box for Slider:

A screenshot of the modal window for slider settings.

How are you using the slider block?

The slider block has several common uses:

Replacing a slider used as a full-page splash image at the top of a page

A common use of the slider has been to add a full width image to the top of a page but below your site navigation:

A screenshot of the UMaine Arctic website while it was using the slider content block for a home page image.

Use the pattern “Full Width UM Photo Header” for a full-page splash image at the top of your page

A screenshot displaying the Full Width UM Photo Header pattern being selected
  • Select the + icon in the upper left corner of the editor. The blue box will change to a black box with an X icon, and the block selection window will open
  • Select the “Patterns” heading to display the list of patterns
  • Select the “Headers” option to display the different patterns for headers
  • Select “Full Width UM Photo Header” and it will appear in the editor

Once placed on your page, you can update the “Website Title” text as appropriate, and select a photo from your media library in the photo area:

  • In the editing options sidebar, select the “Style” set of options
  • The “Edit image” button will allow you to select an image from your media library or upload a new image for this header.

Replacing a slider used for a slideshow

A slider content block could also be used for a slideshow:

Screenshot of a slider content block being used for a slideshow.

Use the Gallery (Adv) block for slideshows

A screenshot displaying the gallery block selected.
  • Select the + icon in the upper left corner of the editor. The blue box will change to a black box with an X icon, and the block selection window will open
  • The “Blocks” heading displays the list of blocks available
  • Select the “Gallery (Adv)” option

There are multiple display options for this gallery block, and we recommend reviewing the different layouts listed under “Gallery Type” as some may be better suited for your content. The “Slider” layout option is closest in functionality to the old Slider Content Block.

The Slider Content Block was also used to display multiple features on a page to allow multiple items to be featured in the same location:

A screenshot of the slider when used to select from multiple features.

The Gutenberg editor and the blocks now available offer many new options to choose from. We recommend contacting UMaine Digital to discuss what layout options would be best suited to replace this content on your page.