Thread

I’m trying to figure out the most user friendly approach to the Pages module without using any plugins (Structure etc).

Wrapping my head around it, Pages require a channel to post in and assigned a template using at least one of the channel fields in the channel for any content to display on the page, correct? I assume so..

Onwards..

Approach 1
*Fit all page templates in one channel
  *Create a channel and channel fields called “Page”
  *Then create a template group called “pages” and place all templates there
  *Inform your client that they must choose a template from the pages template group when creating a “Page”

The problem with approach 1 is that in the event of the templates differing in a sense where “template A” only uses half of the channel fields in the channel, and “template B” uses the remaining (different) fields: all the fields will display on the publish page regardless of which template the user is using, thus causing confusion in regard to which fields to use.

Approach 2
* Create a separate channel, channel fields, template group and template for each kind of template on the page

The problem with approach 2 is that it can create a lot of channels and groups (etc), becoming messy that way.

So.. have I missed the point completely, or is my understanding of how to deal with Pages up to par? If I have overlooked anything, which is highly possible considering I started learning about pages yesterday, I really appreciate some input.

Regarding which of the two approaches is most reasonable I guess that comes down to the individual requirements of the site, client and what not. Basically what I’m asking: Are my approaches reasonable ways of doing things without relying on a third party addon?

Thanks!

Each project design you do will depend a lot not only what you want now, but what plans you have for future expansion.  This article can help you sort out what is possible as best practices for what you’re trying to accomplish by using the devot-ee.com site as an example.  Fewer templates is best.  Devot-ee.com uses only 2 templates + cartthrob: 
see:
http://eeinsider.com/articles/template-partials-using-stash/

Hi stiankarlsen,

I am just in the process of writing up my thoughts on the pages module and how I could use it to better effect, there is some really useful information on how people are using it and some helpful links here:

* [Pages Module 1 - an Introduction and History](http://www.train-ee.com/courseware/free-tutorials/comments/pages-module-1-an-introduction-and-history/)
* [Pages Module 2 - Installing, Using and Coding](http://www.train-ee.com/courseware/free-tutorials/comments/pages-module-2-installing-using-and-coding)
* [Pages Module 3 - How Others Are Using It](http://www.train-ee.com/courseware/free-tutorials/comments/pages-module-3-how-others-are-using-it)