T4 Site Manager Essentials

Table of Contents:

Introduction to T4 Site Manager
Editing and Formatting Text
Creating and Managing Links
Working with Images and Media
Building and Formatting Data Tables
Using the TinyMCE Content Editor
Best Practices for Web Content Structure
Optimizing Images for the Web
Full-Screen Editing and Context Menu
Accessibility and Usability Features

Introduction to Introduction to T4 Site Manager

The PDF titled "Introduction to T4 Site Manager" serves as a practical guide to using the T4 Site Manager platform, a popular web content management system (CMS) used particularly within academic institutions and organizations. This guide offers readers foundational knowledge and hands-on skills required to manage web content effectively, whether they are content editors, contributors, or site administrators. Covering essential topics such as editing content with the TinyMCE WYSIWYG editor, adding and positioning images, linking to internal and external resources, creating tables, and managing media assets, the PDF aims to empower users to maintain up-to-date and well-structured websites. The content is accessible, clear, and structured to facilitate learning by example, making it ideal for beginners and those looking to refresh their content management skills.

Topics Covered in Detail

Introduction to Interface and Basic Navigation of T4 Site Manager
Text Editing Best Practices Using TinyMCE Editor
Creating and Managing Various Types of Links (Sections, External, Email)
Uploading, Positioning, and Optimizing Images and Media Files
Building and Formatting Data Tables for Structured Information
Using Styles, Headings, Lists, and Paragraphs for Accessible Content
Managing Full-Screen Editing and Utilizing the Context Menu for Efficiency
Guidelines on Copy-Pasting and Formatting from External Sources
Introduction to Key Icon Functions in the Toolbar
Accessibility and Site Structure Best Practices for Web Publishing

Key Concepts Explained

1. Web Content Editing with TinyMCE Editor Central to T4 Site Manager is the TinyMCE editor, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) tool that simplifies content creation and formatting on the web. It replicates familiar word-processing functionalities—such as bolding, italics, bullet lists, and hyperlinking—while adding web-specific tools like inserting internal section links and media files. It also supports table management, allowing users to create, merge, and format table cells precisely. Understanding this editor is crucial to producing clean, accessible, and user-friendly web pages.

2. Linking: Internal, External, and Email Linking is essential for seamless navigation and resource accessibility in websites. The PDF explains how to link text to other sections within the website, to external URLs, and to email addresses (via mailto links). It emphasizes the importance of descriptive link text for accessibility and user experience, and provides step-by-step instructions using the insert/edit link interface. Users also learn how to link to media files stored in the platform’s Media Library, ensuring that downloadable documents and other resources are easily accessible.

3. Media Management and Image Positioning Effective web pages are visually engaging and media-rich but optimized for fast loading. The guide explains how to upload images and other media files to the Media Library, insert them into content, and use style classes to position images properly — for example, right-alignment with specific CSS classes. It warns users about common pitfalls like using unsuitable image formats or incorrect paste methods that add unwanted formatting. Image optimization techniques are also covered to ensure websites remain fast and responsive.

4. Structuring Content for Accessibility Good web content is not just about aesthetics; it must be logically structured and accessible to users, including those using screen readers. The PDF covers the correct use of headings (starting with Heading 2 for main sections), paragraphs, and lists, and cautions against misusing headings for decoration. It explains indentation, blockquotes, citations, and formatting styles that improve readability and searching. This ensures that published pages meet accessibility standards and provide an inclusive user experience.

5. Table Creation and Editing Data tables are used to present organized information clearly. The guide shows how to insert new tables, set column and row counts, and adjust cell padding and spacing. Advanced features like merging and splitting cells, and formatting, help users to create professional-looking tables to compare data or list categories. Tables should be used judiciously for relevant content rather than layout purposes, reinforcing good semantic web practices.

Practical Applications and Use Cases

The knowledge gained from the T4 Site Manager guide translates directly into everyday website management tasks. For example, university communication officers can use it to update academic department pages with events, course offerings, and research highlights efficiently. Editors can embed links to PDFs such as newsletters and brochures, ensuring visitors can download materials easily. Media officers can upload and position images to create visually appealing pages consistent with branding standards. Additionally, content managers may use the detailed instructions on headings and lists to maintain website accessibility, critical for compliance with legal standards and enhancing SEO. These practical techniques support a dynamic and user-friendly web presence that serves diverse audiences across devices.

Glossary of Key Terms

TinyMCE: A web-based WYSIWYG editor used for editing content in T4 Site Manager.
Media Library: A repository within T4 where images, documents, and other media files are stored for use on the website.
WYSIWYG: “What You See Is What You Get” — an editor showing content exactly as it will appear when published.
mailto link: A hyperlink that opens a user’s email client to send an email to a specified address.
CSS class: A style tag that controls the appearance or layout of elements, such as image alignment.
Accessibility: Design principles and features that ensure web content is usable by people with disabilities.
Header Tags (H2, H3, etc.): HTML tags used for headings that define the structure and hierarchy of page content.
Data Table: A structured format consisting of rows and columns used to display information clearly.
Paste as Plain Text: A function that pastes text without any embedded formatting from external sources.
Context Menu: A right-click menu providing quick access to editing and formatting options.

Who is this PDF for?

This guide is specifically aimed at web content contributors, editors, and administrators who are responsible for managing and updating websites using the T4 Site Manager CMS. It is ideal for individuals with minimal prior experience in web editing, offering step-by-step guidance on basic to intermediate tasks. Additionally, institutional content managers or website coordinators working within universities or similar organizations will find this document invaluable for maintaining consistent, accessible, and well-structured web content. The knowledge within enhances both technical proficiency and understanding of good content management practices, enabling users to contribute efficiently and confidently.

How to Use this PDF Effectively

To gain maximum benefit from this guide, readers should first familiarize themselves with the general layout and interface of the T4 Site Manager platform. Practicing hands-on while following the instructions—such as creating links, formatting text, or inserting tables—will consolidate understanding. It is beneficial to approach the document sequentially, as early chapters build foundational skills used in later sections. Regularly experimenting with the TinyMCE editor’s tools in a test environment helps to avoid errors on live sites. Finally, users are encouraged to review accessibility recommendations to ensure the content they publish is inclusive and compliant with web standards.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of TinyMCE in T4 Site Manager? TinyMCE is a WYSIWYG content editor integrated within T4 Site Manager that allows users to create and format web content easily without needing to know HTML. It provides familiar tools like bold, italics, lists, links, and tables, specifically tailored for web content editing to make page management straightforward.

How can I create links to different types of content in T4 Site Manager? You can create links to external websites, internal sections, email addresses, and media files like PDFs stored in the Media Library. Simply highlight the text, use the Insert/Edit link tool, then choose the appropriate option or input a URL, email, or media file from the library. For email links, the system automatically adds the required mailto: prefix.

What are the best practices for adding and formatting images in T4 Site Manager? Before adding images, optimize them for the web by resizing to a suitable width (generally 955 px for full width, or 283 px for inline images) and reducing file size. Use tools like Web Photo Resizer or Pixlr. Insert images through the Media Library and choose predefined sizes to ensure proper fit within the page layout.

Why shouldn’t I use the "Paste from Word" button when inserting content? Using the "Paste from Word" feature often introduces unnecessary and problematic styling that can disrupt the website’s formatting. Instead, copy from Word and paste directly or use the "Paste as Plain Text" option followed by normal paste to maintain clean, web-friendly formatting.

How can I work efficiently in the text editor when editing long content? Switch to full screen mode using the Toggle fullscreen mode icon for a larger editing space, which simplifies working with longer documents. Just be cautious not to close the browser tab accidentally since there is no separate window and unsaved changes could be lost.

Exercises and Projects

The PDF includes practical exercises designed to help users master basic web content management using T4 Site Manager's TinyMCE editor and Media Library. These include copying and formatting text, creating various types of links, inserting images, and manipulating tables.

Summary of Exercises:

Copying and pasting formatted content into the About Us section, applying proper headings and lists.
Creating internal links to site sections and external links to websites.
Linking to email addresses properly using mailto links.
Inserting images and PDFs from the Media Library and ensuring correct placement and sizing.
Editing tables including adding/deleting rows and columns, merging and splitting cells.

Tips to Complete These Exercises:

Always apply semantic heading levels in logical order (starting with Heading 2) to keep pages structured.
Use the Insert/Edit link dialog carefully and double-check links by previewing the page.
When inserting images, optimize them for web use first to ensure they load quickly and display correctly.
Take advantage of the full screen editor mode when editing large content blocks.
Practice using the context menu (right-click) for quick editing functions like cut, copy, paste, and inserting links.
Preview changes regularly before publishing to catch any errors early.

Suggested Additional Project: Build a Small Informational Page

Choose a topic relevant to your organization or a fictional scenario.
Use T4 Site Manager to create a new content block for this page.
Write the main content, appropriately using headings, subheadings, and lists.
Insert relevant images by uploading and optimizing them beforehand.
Add links both internally to other sections/pages and externally to related resources.
Include an email link for contact inquiries.
Create a simple data table summarizing key facts or contacts.
Preview the page thoroughly to check formatting, links, and image placement.
Save changes as draft and request peer feedback before publishing.

This project reinforces all key skills covered and results in a practical, publishable web page.

Last updated: October 8, 2025