How to Edit a Rich Text Editor Block Using the Experience Editor

Who Can Use the Experience Editor

The Experience Editor is a new editing option that is only available for websites that have been updated in partnership with Marketing and Communications after July 2016.

Whenever a combination of rich text elements is needed—including text, text formatting, links, images, links to PDF files, etc.—a “Rich Text Editor” (RTE) block may do the trick. They contain preset options for fonts, headings, responsive images, buttons, and more.

Basic Editing Options

The Experience Editor contains several built-in editing commands for RTE blocks.

RTE Block Controls (from left to right):

Edit the text (pencil icon): allows for copy/paste functions
Bold
Italic
Underline
Insert a link
Insert an image
Create or edit personalization (unused at this time)
Go to the parent component
Show more commands (“More”)

You may type and delete text using your keyboard and mouse.

Copy and Paste

The Experience Editor does not support pasting text from a document. Use “Paste Plain Text” in the RTE editing window. See below.

Rich Text Editing Options

When “Edit the text” is selected, a rich text editor (RTE) window opens. A full WYSIWYG (“what you see is what you get”) editor is available with formatting options, as well as the “Paste Plain Text” command for pasting content from another source.

Hover over any command in the editor and its name will appear. Some of the most important options are highlighted and described below.

1. Paste Plain Text

The “Paste Plain Text” is used for copying and pasting text from another source. Click the command, then copy and paste text. Click “Paste.”

2. Headings

Use the preset heading options to add descriptive headings and subheadings to text. These are important for search engine optimization and good user experience.

3. Hyperlinks

Links can be added to text using one of two functions:

Insert Sitecore Link: link to a page or media item contained within the content management system
Hyperlink Manager: link to an external page, email address, or anchor

Buttons (aka calls-to-action) are created using the Hyperlink Manager. See below.

4. Images

Images added through the RTE block are mobile responsive. Use a maximum width of 1,500 pixels for full-width content images, or smaller sizes to wrap text with graphics.

Some other content blocks may be used for easy formatting with images including the Image With Text block and Featured News Article block.

RTE Buttons

RTE buttons look like graphics, but they are actually hyperlinks with additional styling.

After a link has been added to text using one of the two link functions described above, follow these steps:

Click in the link text.
Open the Hyperlink Manager.
In the “CSS Class” drop-down menu, choose a button link style.
Click OK.

There are Multiple Types of Buttons

RTE buttons are created as described above. Additional button options include the Button Links Menu or Button Links Widget.

Have a question? Contact the Technology HelpDesk.