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:
Adjusting size and color
Underlining text
Formatting text to appear as code, which is accessible via the three-dots menu by selecting the embed icon
1.2. Images
The 'Images' option is used to add pictures and GIFs to the webpage. There are three distinct methods for adding images:
Uploading photos and GIFs directly from your device.
Searching for images directly within Google Images.
Importing images from your Google Drive.
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:
Embed by URL: This allows users to add external web pages or forms by pasting their direct URL.
Embed Code: This option is for inserting custom HTML code, enabling the addition of more advanced elements.
1.4. Google Drive
This option allows users to import various files and documents directly from their Google Drive account, including:
Images
PDFs
Slides
Forms
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:
A Collapsible Group is created with the title "What is test Mater".
A short description of Test Mater is added as the hidden content.
In the site preview, only the title is visible initially. Clicking the drop-down reveals the descriptive text.
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:
Select the 'Image Carousel' option from the 'Insert' panel.
Add the desired images. This can be done by uploading from a device, selecting from Google Drive, or searching the web. In one example, five pizza images were added by searching the web.
Click 'Insert', which opens a new settings panel to customize the carousel's behavior.
Carousel Customization
After inserting the images, you must configure the carousel's settings before it can be placed on the page:
Show dots to indicate the different slides.
Enable an auto-start feature for the slideshow.
Set the duration for each image.
After the settings are configured, the user clicks 'Insert' again to place the final, customized carousel on the page.