General Rules - Content You can enter content directly or cut and paste content from documents, other Web pages, Microsoft Word, etc. Use bold, italics, headline styles, bullets lists, etc. to format content. Web content/copy should be as succinct as possible. Web visitors general scan rather than read Web content. Use paragraph breaks, sub-heads, and bulleted lists to convey information in a way that can be easily scanned and absorbed by the user.
Page headers are automatically set within the templates, based on the copy you enter as the display name. Bulleted lists are always the same size and typeface and will indent slightly, but should be flush with the left side of the page. Never use underlines for text. It is usually reserved for hyperlinks. To call attention to certain words, use body copy that is bold or italic.
Do not underline hyperlinks. When you create a hyperlink, the text automatically “lightens.” When the text is selected/rolled-over, it will display an underline to indicate a link is available.
When adding phone numbers to a page, use the full number including area code. Use parentheses, and do not use dashes around the area code. For example: (478) 301-1000.
General Rules/Images All imported images must be saved as “gifs” or “jpeg” files at 72 dpi and resized to appropriate page dimensions. If you have photos/images you would like to use, the Web Publishing Staff can resize them using Adobe Photoshop and return them to you in the correct size and format. Using photos/images that have not been correctly sized will cause extreme load times for some viewers.
- Use images to support and enhance the message within the text.
- Do not use animated or still clip art images unless approved by the IT & Media Services department.
- Contact the Web Publishing Staff if you have questions about the use of images.
- When using images, always insert a line of descriptive text in the “text” box when you are inserting the image; this provides alternate text (alt tags) for screen readers used by the visually impaired.
Use of Color Fonts -- Even though the Format Toolbar contains various font color options, the CMS system has preset styles in accordance with the determined design, which override any alternate selections. Therefore, CMS editors/authors should not introduce additional fonts or font colors other than the default Arial black.
Tables -- Using color sparingly within table cells is appropriate. However, the colors should be the similar to colors used throughout the site. Keep in mind that the colors should match other templates through out the CMS. |
