{"id":2951,"date":"2024-02-27T12:08:18","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T17:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/?page_id=2951"},"modified":"2026-08-10T20:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T00:39:09","slug":"files","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cutheme-docs\/intermediate-training\/intermediate-training-module-1-content-types\/files\/","title":{"rendered":"Files"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Files Post\n <\/h1>\n \n \n \n\n

Intermediate Training Module 1: Content Types<\/p>\n\n\n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

File posts provide a structured way to manage documents on your website. Rather than linking directly to files stored in the Media Library, File posts create a dedicated content item that can be categorized, displayed in listings, and updated over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the biggest advantages of using File posts is that documents can be replaced without changing the public URL. This helps prevent broken links and makes it easier to maintain resources that are updated regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Annual reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Policies and procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Forms and templates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Meeting minutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Guides and handbooks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Downloadable resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    When to Use a File Post<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Use a File post when you want visitors to download or access a document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    File posts work particularly well when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Documents need to be organized into categories<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Multiple files need to be displayed in a listing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Files are updated regularly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • You want to maintain a consistent download experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Using File posts instead of linking directly to uploaded files can make document management much easier over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Creating a File Post<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      To create a File post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. From the Dashboard, select Files<\/strong> > Add New<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Enter a title for the file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Add a short description explaining what the file contains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Upload the document.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Save or publish the File post.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        The title and description help visitors understand the purpose of the document before downloading it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Uploading a File<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

        Within the File post, select the upload option to add your document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Common supported file types include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • PDF (.pdf<\/code>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Word (.doc<\/code>, .docx<\/code>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Excel (.xls<\/code>, .xlsx<\/code>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • PowerPoint (.ppt<\/code>, .pptx<\/code>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Additional file types may be available depending on your website’s configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          File Descriptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          Every File post should include a clear description. A good description improves accessibility and helps users determine whether a document is relevant before downloading it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Descriptions help visitors understand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • What the document contains<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Who it is intended for<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Whether it is the most current version<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Title<\/strong>
            2026 Annual Report<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Description<\/strong>
            Download the university’s annual report, including financial highlights, strategic initiatives, and year-end achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Organizing Files with Categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

            Categories can be used to organize related documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Forms<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Reports<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Publications<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Templates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Categories make it easier to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Create filtered listings<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Group related resources<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Locate files for future updates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                As your collection of files grows, consistent categorization becomes increasingly important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Displaying Files on Your Website<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                File posts can be displayed using listing and card blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                This allows visitors to browse and download documents from a central location rather than managing individual links throughout the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Common uses include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Resource centres<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Policy libraries<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Download sections<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Publication archives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  You’ll learn more about displaying files in Module 3: Listings & Cards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Updating Existing Files<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                  One of the primary benefits of File posts is that documents can be updated without changing where they appear on the website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  When a new version of a document becomes available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  1. Open the existing File post.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  2. Replace the current file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  3. Save your changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                    This approach helps maintain continuity and avoids broken links across your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                    Use Meaningful Titles<\/strong>
                    Titles should clearly identify the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Good Examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Annual Report 2026<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Accessibility Guidelines<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Expense Claim Form<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Write Helpful Descriptions<\/strong>
                      Descriptions should explain what the document contains and who it is for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Categorize Consistently<\/strong>
                      Use agreed-upon categories to improve organization and future maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Replace Rather Than Recreate<\/strong>
                      When updating a document, update the existing File post whenever possible rather than creating a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Prefer Accessible File Formats<\/strong>
                      Whenever possible, ensure documents are accessible and readable by all users.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n