How to benefit from the improved inline mode

If you've ever used GX WebManager then you are familiar with the Preview and Edit modes. Since version 7 - note: that was in the year 2002! - GX WebManager also contains an Inline mode. Before GX WebManager 990 this was called the layout mode, but we decided that 'inline mode' was a better term. That's because as a user you're not actually changing the layout, but you're using the layout to add your own texts and images.

Why using the inline mode?

A large part of the users is only working in GX WebManager for several hours a week. Maybe even 1 or 2 hours per month. They usually have to perform only one or two relatively simple tasks like publishing a news item or updating the agenda. Plus they don't need taxonomies, personalization, forms and other more advanced features. Most of the time they just want to find the page they have to change, make the changes, save, and leave GX WebManager.

For these users the inline mode is perfect. Simply login, use the website preview to navigate to the right page or content, click on the 'inline' button and change the content or create some new content. You see the content as it will appear on the website, in the right formatting and presentation. Simple as that!

Now I’m curious - Show me the money!

The following video shows an example of what the Inline mode looks like (TIP: open the video in HD and fullscreen mode)

Better still, try it yourself by installing the freely available Community Edition of GX WebManager and do some experimenting.

OK, I'm convinced - How do I activate the Inline mode on my website?

First you have to upgrade your GX WebManager installation to version 9.9. Secondly, You have to activate the Inline mode through the Configure > Web Initiative Configuration > [Functionalities] menu.

Important: for the best possible experience, make sure your website presentation meets the inline mode guidelines. These guidelines are written down in document GXD0062 - Website Design guidelines.

After performing these steps, the 'Inline' tab will appear in between the Preview and Edit tab below the page area.

Does the Inline mode work for all websites?

Yes, it does. As long as the presentation meets the basics of the Website design guidelines document (see previous paragraph) then it should work OK.

Will the Edit mode disappear?

Not in the near future. We expect that the 'Power Users' of GX WebManager will keep using the Edit mode. However, when we notice that nobody is using the Edit mode anymore then we might consider removing it.

Is the Inline mode now complete?

Yes and no. The inline mode in GX WebManager 990 will allow you to perform the basic content management steps, e.g. creating, updating and deleting content. But in the coming versions of GX WebManager we will continue improving the inline mode. For example to allow inline editing for the media repository, page templates and maybe even for forms!

If you have ideas on how to improve the Inline mode, visit the "GX WebManager Usage" forum on GX DeveloperWeb and let us know what you think!