Mastering Website Layouts with Drupal 9 Layout Builder

Building and customizing website layouts can be a complex task, but Drupal has made it easier than ever with its Layout Builder module. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use Drupal 9’s Layout Builder to create dynamic and flexible page layouts. We’ll also provide a real-world example to illustrate its power.

What is Drupal 9 Layout Builder?

Drupal 9 Layout Builder is a powerful tool that allows you to design the layout of your website’s pages visually. It provides a drag-and-drop interface for arranging blocks and creating complex page structures without the need for custom coding or theming. Whether you’re a developer or a content editor, Layout Builder empowers you to take control of your site’s design.

Getting Started with Layout Builder

Before we dive into the example, let’s set up Layout Builder on your Drupal 9 website:

1. Enable Layout Builder:
   • Go to Extend in the admin menu.
   • Enable the “Layout Builder” module.
2. Configure Content Types:
   • Navigate to Structure > Content types.
   • Choose the content type you want to enable Layout Builder for (e.g., “Basic Page”).
   • Click Manage display.
   • Enable “Layout Builder” for the chosen content type.
3. Create or Edit Content:
   • Create a new piece of content or edit an existing one of the selected content type.
   • You will see a “Layout” tab that allows you to start building your layout.

Example: Creating a Landing Page

Let’s create a landing page for a fictional travel agency using Drupal 9 Layout Builder.

Step 1: Enable Layout Builder

1. Create a new “Basic Page” content type if you don’t have one already.
2. Edit the “Basic Page” content type, go to the “Display settings,” and enable “Layout Builder.”

Step 2: Build the Layout

1. Create a new “Basic Page” content item.
2. Click the “Layout” tab.
3. Click the “+ Add Section” button to create sections for your layout. For our landing page, we’ll have a hero section and a services section.
4. Within each section, click the “+ Add Block” button to add content blocks. You can add text blocks, images, videos, and more.
5. Configure and style each block using the provided options.

Example Layout:

• Hero Section:
  • Text Block: “Welcome to TravelVoyage”
  • Image Block: A captivating travel image
• Services Section:
  • Text Block: “Our Services”
  • List Block: List of services offered

Step 3: Preview and Publish

1. Use the preview button to see how your landing page will look to visitors.
2. Once you’re satisfied with the layout, click “Save” or “Publish” to make the page live.

Step 4: Advanced Features

Layout Builder offers advanced features such as responsive layouts, reusable custom blocks, and granular control over block visibility. Explore these features to enhance your site’s design.

Benefits of Using Layout Builder

1. No Coding Required: Content editors can create complex layouts without needing developer assistance.
2. Flexibility: Easily rearrange and customize page elements as your content evolves.
3. Responsive Design: Layout Builder supports responsive design, ensuring your site looks great on all devices.
4. Time Savings: Speed up the design process and reduce development time.
5. Reusability: Create custom blocks and layouts for reuse across multiple pages.

Conclusion

Drupal 9 Layout Builder empowers you to take control of your website’s design and layout. With its intuitive interface and flexibility, you can create visually stunning and responsive pages without writing a single line of code. Whether you’re building a landing page, a blog post, or a product page, Layout Builder is your key to crafting engaging web experiences.

So, roll up your sleeves, start experimenting, and unlock the full potential of Drupal 9 Layout Builder for your projects.