Drupal 9 Layout Builder Module: A Guide to Creating Custom Layouts

Drupal 9 introduces a powerful new feature called the Layout Builder module. This module allows website administrators and developers to create custom page layouts for their Drupal 9 website. The Layout Builder module provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for designing page layouts, making it easy to arrange and style content in a variety of ways. In this article, we'll explore the key features of the Drupal 9 Layout Builder module and show you how to use it to create custom layouts for your Drupal website.

What is the Layout Builder module?

The Layout Builder module is a tool that enables website administrators and developers to create custom page layouts for their Drupal 9 website. It provides a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to arrange and style content blocks on a page. The Layout Builder module is fully integrated with other Drupal 9 modules, such as the Core Media module, so you can add and arrange images, videos, and other media types in your custom page layouts.

Key Features of the Layout Builder module

Intuitive drag-and-drop interface: The Layout Builder module provides a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to arrange and style content blocks on a page. You can simply drag and drop content blocks into the layout to create the desired arrangement.

Customizable content blocks: The Layout Builder module allows you to create custom content blocks that can be reused across multiple pages. This can save time and ensure consistency when creating custom page layouts.

Inline editing: The Layout Builder module allows you to edit content directly on the page, making it easy to make changes and see the results of your work.

Customizable styles: The Layout Builder module provides a variety of styling options for customizing the appearance of your content blocks. You can change the background color, add borders, adjust margins and padding, and more.

Responsive design: The Layout Builder module is designed to be fully responsive, ensuring that your custom page layouts will look great on all devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

How to use the Layout Builder module

Install the Layout Builder module: Go to the "Extend" page in your Drupal site, search for "Layout Builder" and install the module.

Enable Layout Builder for a content type: Go to the "Structure" page in your Drupal site and click on the "Content Types" link. Select the content type you want to enable the Layout Builder for and click on the "Manage Display" tab. Change the "Format" to "Layout Builder" and save your changes.

Add sections to the layout: Go to the content type's node creation or editing page and scroll down to the "Layout Builder" section. Click on the "Add Section" button to add a new section to your layout.

Add components to the sections: Click on the "Add Block" button in a section to add a new component to that section. You can choose from a variety of pre-made components or create your own custom components.

Arrange the sections and components: You can drag and drop sections and components to rearrange their order. You can also click on a component to edit its settings and configure how it will display on your page.

Save and preview your layout: Click on the "Save Layout" button to save your changes. Preview your page to see how your custom layout will look.

Note: The Layout Builder module in Drupal 9 is a complex module and may require some technical knowledge to use effectively. If you are new to Drupal or the Layout Builder, it may be helpful to seek assistance from a developer. Contact our experts for a free consultation.