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Indiana University
Content Components

Rich Text

Add a section of formatted text

Included on:

Content Strategy

Writing for the web

Visit the IU Brand website for guidance on writing effective content for the web.

Overview

The Rich Text component lets you add formatted text to a page, with support for headings, paragraphs, bold, italic, lists, and links.

It’s the most flexible content component, suitable for general-purpose text sections that don’t fit into more specialized components.

Common uses

  • Add a general content block to a page
  • Provide instructions, explanations, or supporting text
  • Format content with lists, headings, and inline links
  • Supplement other components with short text sections

Component example

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Component fields

Element name Required Multiple
Heading Optional. Heading displayed above the rich text block. Limit to a few words or a short phrase.
No No
Heading level Heading level (H2–H6). Must follow proper heading order. Do not skip levels or use them out of sequence.
Yes No
Content Rich text content. Supports headings, paragraphs, bold, italic, lists, and links.
Yes No
HTML ID Optional. Anchor ID for linking directly to this section (for example, section-name). Use lowercase letters and dashes only.
No No

Create a call to action button

  1. Add a link as you normally would. Place the link at the end of a section of text—not in the middle of a paragraph.
  2. In the Insert/Edit Link window, scroll down to Styling.
  3. Under Custom Formats, select CTA Link.
  4. Save the link.

Note: The link will not appear as a button in the Rich Text editor. Preview the page in the WCMS to see the styled call to action link.

Screenshot of link style dialog in the WCMS
Choose the CTA Link style to turn a link into a call to action button.

Accessibility

  • Use clear and concise headings
    Headings help users of assistive technology navigate page content quickly.
  • Maintain proper heading order
    Follow a logical heading structure (H2 → H3 → H4, etc.). Don’t skip levels or rearrange them for visual effect.
  • Write clear link text
    Links should describe their destination. Avoid vague labels like Read more or Click here.

Do

  • Use for general-purpose content that needs flexible formatting
  • Apply proper heading levels to maintain accessibility
  • Break up paragraphs with headings, bulleted lists, and descriptive links
  • Follow the IU Brand guidelines for writing effective web content

Don't

  • Use in place of purpose-built components like quotes, list hubs, or callouts
  • Adjust heading levels for purely aesthetic reasons
  • Embed complex code, media, or layouts—use the appropriate components for those

Related content

  • Choosing Components

  • Learn to Use Site Builder