A Study Guide to the Google Sites 'Insert' Panel

Introduction: The 'Insert' Panel

The 'Insert' panel is the primary section within the Google Sites editor used for adding all types of content to a webpage. It provides the tools necessary to build out the body of a site, from simple text and images to more complex, interactive elements. This guide will cover the four fundamental content options and two advanced structuring features available in the panel, providing a clear overview of their functions and capabilities.

1. Core Content Options

The top of the 'Insert' panel features four primary options for adding fundamental content types to your site pages.

1.1. Text Box

Clicking this option adds a customizable text box to the site. This is the standard method for including written content. The following text design options are available:

1.2. Images

The 'Images' option is used to add pictures and GIFs to the webpage. There are three distinct methods for adding images:

1.3. Embed

The 'Embed' option is used to add external content or custom code to the site. This functionality is divided into two methods:

1.4. Google Drive

This option allows users to import various files and documents directly from their Google Drive account, including:

Note that while forms can be imported directly from Drive, they can also be embedded using their direct URL, as covered in the 'Embed' section.

2. A Key Limitation: Video Files

Crucially, users cannot upload video files directly from their computer; the only method is to first upload videos to Google Drive and then import them using the 'Google Drive' option in the 'Insert' panel.

3. Advanced Structuring Features

The 'Insert' panel also includes tools designed for organizing and displaying content in more advanced and structured ways.

3.1. Collapsible Group

A 'Collapsible Group' is a feature that creates a section with a visible title. When a user clicks on the title or an associated drop-down icon, it reveals hidden content. This hidden content can be text, images, or a combination of both.

An example of its use involves the following steps:

3.2. Image Carousel

The 'Image Carousel' feature creates an interactive slideshow for showcasing multiple images. To create a carousel, a user follows these steps:

Carousel Customization

After inserting the images, you must configure the carousel's settings before it can be placed on the page:

After the settings are configured, the user clicks 'Insert' again to place the final, customized carousel on the page.