{"id":127,"date":"2023-10-19T14:17:43","date_gmt":"2023-10-19T18:17:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/?page_id=127"},"modified":"2026-08-10T20:01:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T00:01:59","slug":"dashboard-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/basic-training\/basic-training-module-1-getting-started\/dashboard-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Dashboard Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Dashboard Overview\n <\/h1>\n \n \n \n\n

Basic Training Module 1: Getting Started<\/p>\n\n\n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

The Dashboard is the control centre of your website. After logging in, you’ll use the Dashboard to create, edit, organize, and manage your site’s content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As you work through the training modules, you’ll spend most of your time moving between the Dashboard and the Block Editor. Becoming familiar with the Dashboard will help you quickly find the content you need and navigate your site more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Dashboard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dashboard is the administrative area of your WordPress website. It provides access to all site content, settings, and tools that are available to your role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on your permissions, you may see different menu items and options than other users on your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the Dashboard, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Create and edit pages and posts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Upload and manage media files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Access forms and other site tools<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Manage menus and other site features<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Main Areas of the Dashboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The Dashboard is organized into three primary areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Left Navigation Menu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The navigation menu on the left side of the screen provides access to your website’s content and tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Common menu items include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Pages<\/strong> \u2013 Create and manage website pages<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Posts<\/strong> \u2013 Create and manage news and blog content<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Media<\/strong> \u2013 Upload and organize images, documents, and other files<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Forms<\/strong> \u2013 Manage online forms and submissions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Appearance<\/strong> \u2013 Access site design and navigation features, depending on your permissions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Additional menu items may appear depending on the features enabled on your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Tip:<\/strong> Hover over a menu item to reveal additional options.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Admin Toolbar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The Admin Toolbar appears at the top of the screen when you are logged in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The toolbar provides quick access to commonly used actions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • View Site<\/strong> \u2013 Open the public version of your website<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Add New<\/strong> \u2013 Quickly create new content<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • User Profile<\/strong> \u2013 Access your account settings and profile information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        You’ll use these shortcuts frequently as you become more comfortable working with your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Content Lists<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Many sections of WordPress display content in a list view. For example, the Pages and Posts screens show all content of that type in a table format.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Content lists typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Filters<\/strong> to narrow results<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Search<\/strong> tools for locating content<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Status indicators<\/strong> showing whether content is published, draft, scheduled, or otherwise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          You’ll learn more about working with content lists throughout the training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Finding Your Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          One of the most common tasks you’ll perform is locating existing content for editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Finding Pages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          To view all pages on your website:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          1. Select Pages<\/strong> from the left navigation menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Click All Pages<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            A list of pages will be displayed, including their publication status and last modified date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Finding Posts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            To view news articles or posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            1. Select Posts<\/strong> from the left navigation menu.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Click All Posts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Like pages, posts can be searched and filtered to help you find specific content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Searching for Content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              If you’re looking for a particular page or post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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              1. Navigate to the appropriate content list.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              2. Enter a keyword into the search box.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              3. Click Search<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                WordPress will display any matching content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Tip:<\/strong> Search is especially useful when working with large sites that contain many pages and posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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