{"id":2813,"date":"2024-02-06T15:17:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-06T20:17:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/?page_id=2813"},"modified":"2026-08-05T23:01:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T03:01:01","slug":"using-patterns","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/advanced-training\/advanced-training-module-6-patterns\/using-patterns\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Patterns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n
\n\n
\n
\n
\n

\n Using Patterns\n <\/h1>\n \n \n \n\n

Advanced Training Module 6: Patterns<\/p>\n\n\n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Once a pattern has been created, it can be inserted into any page or post on your website. Patterns allow you to quickly add reusable layouts, content sections, and design elements without rebuilding them from scratch each time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you’re using a synced pattern for shared content or a non-synced pattern as a starting template, patterns can dramatically speed up page creation while helping maintain consistency across your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Why Use Patterns?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Patterns help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Create content faster<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Maintain a consistent look and feel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reduce repetitive work<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Standardize common layouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Reuse successful page sections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    For example, instead of rebuilding the same call-to-action section on multiple pages, you can simply insert a pattern whenever you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Adding a Pattern to a Page<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    To insert a pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Open the page or post where you want the pattern to appear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Open the block inserter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Select the Patterns<\/strong> tab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Open My Patterns<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Select the pattern you want to use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The pattern will be inserted into the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      From this point forward, what happens next depends on whether the pattern is synced or non-synced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Working with Non-Synced Patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      Non-synced patterns behave like reusable templates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Once inserted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • \u2705 You can freely edit the content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • \u2705 Changes only affect the current page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • \u2705 Other pages using the same pattern remain unchanged.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        You create a Program Page Template<\/strong> pattern containing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Introduction\nProgram Overview\nKey Benefits\nContact Information<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
        After inserting it, you can customize the content for each specific program without affecting any other pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        This makes non-synced patterns ideal for page layouts and content structures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n\n\n\n
        Working with Synced Patterns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        Synced patterns remain connected to the original pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
        Once inserted:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        • \u2705 The content remains synchronized.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • \u2705 Updates to the pattern affect every instance across the website.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
          Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          A synced pattern containing the following might appear on dozens of pages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Contact Us\nPhone Number\nEmail Address<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          If the contact information changes and the pattern is updated, every page using that pattern updates automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          This is extremely useful when content must remain identical throughout the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          \n\n\n\n
          Detaching a Synced Pattern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
          Sometimes you want to start with a synced pattern but customize a specific version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          In this situation, you can detach the pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Once detached:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          • \u2705 The content becomes independent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • \u2705 Changes affect only the current page.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • \u2705 Updates to the original synced pattern will no longer apply.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
            To Detach a Synced Pattern<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
              \n
            1. Select the synced pattern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Open the block options menu (three dots).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Choose Detach Pattern<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
              The pattern is now a regular collection of blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
              \n\n\n\n
              When Should I Detach a Pattern?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
              Consider detaching when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                \n
              • A page requires custom content.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Only one instance should be modified.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • You need a variation of the pattern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Site-wide updates are no longer desirable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                Example<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                You use a synced call-to-action pattern:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                  \n
                • Apply Today<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                  On one page, you instead want:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                    \n
                  • Book a Consultation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                    Detaching the pattern allows you to customize that page without affecting every other page using the same pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                    \n\n\n\n
                    Common Uses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                    Patterns are commonly inserted for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                    Page Introductions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                      \n
                    • Heading<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Description<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Call to Action<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                      Contact Sections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                        \n
                      • Contact information<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Office location<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Support links<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                        Promotional Sections<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                          \n
                        • Image<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Description<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Button<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                          Training Templates<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            \n
                          • Learning outcomes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Content sections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Exercises<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Additional resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                            \n\n\n\n
                            Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
                            Start with a Pattern<\/strong>
                            Whenever possible, begin with a pattern rather than recreating content from scratch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            Understand Pattern Type Before Editing<\/strong>
                            Always verify whether the pattern is synced or non-synced before making changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            Detach Carefully<\/strong>
                            Only detach a pattern when a custom variation is truly needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            Maintain Consistency<\/strong>
                            Patterns are most valuable when they help create a consistent experience across your site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            Reuse Existing Patterns<\/strong>
                            Before creating a new layout, check whether a suitable pattern already exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
                            \n\n\n\n
                            \n