Hi Vanilla friends!👋🏼 Time for another episode of #TipTuesday where I plan to show you a super helpful shortcut that can save you a few clicks when updating your community.
Ever open a community page, spot something you want to change, and then wonder which layout controls it?
Vanilla’s admin bar can save you a few clicks! On supported desktop Layout Editor pages, it sits above your community header and shows the active layout and style guide, with shortcuts to jump right into editing.
Here’s what you can do:
- Edit Layout: Open the layout for the page you’re viewing.
- Copy Layout: Use that layout as a starting point for something new.
- Edit Style Guide: Open the style guide that controls the page’s styling.
You’ll also see a Default label if the page uses a default layout or style guide. That gives you a little more context before you start making changes.
Where this comes in handy
Let’s say you’re checking a group page and notice a widget that needs updating. You can open its layout right from that page, without going into the Dashboard to figure out which one is assigned.
Or maybe you have a layout that’s working well and want to try a variation. Copy Layout gives you a place to start without rebuilding everything.
If you’re managing several layouts, groups, knowledge bases, or subcommunities, having those details right in front of you makes it easier to keep track.
A few tips before you dive in:
- Open the editor in a new tab. Right-click an edit or copy action so you can keep the community page open while you work.
- Remember to save. Opening the editor won’t change your page. You’ll need to save your edits, and copied layouts need to be saved and applied before they’re used.
- Tuck it away when you’re done. You can collapse the bar for more screen space. It remembers your preference as you move between pages.
Don’t see the bar? It requires the Garden > Settings > Manage permission and only appears on supported desktop Layout Editor pages. Community members won’t see it, and it isn’t available on mobile or legacy pages.
Give it a try: Next time you’re reviewing a community page, expand the admin bar and take a look at the layout and style guide behind it. It might save you a little hunting around next time you need to make an update!
You can find more details and screenshots in Edit Layouts & Style Guides via the Admin Bar.
Have a favorite admin shortcut? Share it below!
