Guidance notes

Here are some written instructions on adding files (including images and documents) to the CMS or if you prefer, there is a video guide at the bottom of this page, which also explains more about using the File Manager.  You can expand the screenshots by clicking on them.  Tips are given in italics

These notes assume you are already logged into the CMS.


  • Files can be added to the CMS in two ways.  The steps below shows you how to add a file whilst you are also working on content.  You can also add a file directly to the File Manager by clicking 'Dashboard' and then 'Files'
  • When viewing the page that you want to add a file to, click on ‘Edit mode’ from the top of the toolbar
  • Go to the content or accordion block you would like to add a document to and click ‘Edit Block
  • Highlight the appropriate content you want to link the file to and click the 'link icon'
  • Select 'Browse Server' to view the File Manager
  • Select 'Upload Files'
  • Click in the box and browse to find the document that you want to upload on your PC, or drag and drop a new document from your file manager into the box
  • You can drag multiple files into the uploader at once
  • Once the files have loaded a close option will show, click on this
  • Now that the file is successfully uploaded, you can see the Properties for the file
  • Rename your file here to make it sensible for the public when they download it.  Click the blue writing next to Title and press the blue tick to save it.  If the file you are uploading is an image, you should add alternative text to the 'Title' field. Screen readers will read out the title field if no alternative text is added when the image is placed on the page.  This will ensure the alternative text is always used, and consistent wherever the image is shown.  For more information on alternative text see our page in our Accessible Content guide.
  • You can also add Tags to help your user to find it using the 'sitewide search' or document searches. Comma separate each 'Tag' when adding more than one
  • If the file is an image, add a description here for people using screen readers
  • Once a new file has uploaded, click on the cross
  • You can now select your file to finish adding the link to it
  • Then click 'Save' in the WYSIWIG editor to save your changes

If you have a lot of documents to add, you can use the Document Library block.

For more information on using the File Manager, watch the video below.