Cutting & Pasting
Strip Out Formatting
While typing text directly into a content box is the preferred method of adding text, you may often have content already created as a Word document that you want to add to your site.
Use the "Paste from..." icons in the formatting bar.
This strips the formatting from the text that Word will add and maintains the "Normal" font consistent with the rest of your site.
The "Paste from Word" icon will maintain indents and other formatting, while the other two will strip all formatting.
Already Have Bad Formatting?
So you're all fired up to follow this style guide, but you're current site has a mess of fonts and colors. What to do? Well there is a solution.
Remove text formatting with the following icon:
Select the "offending" text and click the "Remove Formatting" icon in the formatting bar. This will return the font style to "Normal."
Adding Text or Uploading a Document
Limit User Clicks
Easy-to-use websites limit the amount of clicks a user must perform in order to arrive at the content they seek. This is especially true when accessing websites from a mobile device.
Whenever possible, type your text into a content box. That way it's right there to read.
While it often seems easier to upload a document you've created showing your classroom schedule, it's not the most user-friendly. It requires you to convert it to a PDF (remember, not everyone has Word on their computers), then upload the file to your site. Users will need to click to open it in some other program -- which may or may not be included on their device.
Avoid Tables
Tables Don't Work on Mobile
Using tables on your page seems great because it helps organize your information into logical columns and rows. While that can be a bonus, tables do not scale when viewed on smaller screens.
Tables will extend into other content areas on small screens.
Consider alternative formatting options that break content up onto separate lines.
Avoid Unnecessary Photos
Avoid Unnecessary Images
You may argue that this image drew your attention to this box. And you would be correct. But was it really useful? Is the headline really needed since the box title says the same thing?
Consider whether the image adds to your reader's understanding of your content or is just trying to draw attention.
Images that draw attention, also push content further and further down the page -- making it harder to find and read.
For instance, look how far down you had to go to read this line!