Item Pages

Item Pages are a central repository for all of the information we have on a specific tool or part. The page automatically links users to where they can purchase the parts and tools that they need to complete a project.

The difference between parts and tools may seem pretty intuitive, but sometimes the difference is not so obvious. As you write more guides, the distinction may become subtle. The following information provides a few guidelines that helps you sort and decipher the parts from the tools.

The title you choose when you create the item page will be considered the permanent "title" of the page. It will be the title that appears as the "Editing Title" for the page as well as what is included in the URL for the page link.

Every item page also includes a Display Title. This can be edited as often as necessary, and it is what appears on the page as well as on the guide in the Tool/Part lists. (Note: the URL will not change).

Naming an item takes some forethought. You want to consider the current needs of users and the expected changes the part or tool could experience in the future. The name you currently use for an item might prove to be too broad or too specific over time.

For example, say you name an item "screwdriver." That name is probably too vague considering the variety of screwdrivers that exist: phillips, slotted, and torx to name a few.

On the other extreme, to title an item with the name "Anti-static T10 Torx Screwdriver" is too specific. You wouldn’t want someone thinking they need to run to the hardware store to buy another new screwdriver when they have one that will work in their existing collection.

The trick is to find a middle ground between these two extremes.

Item types are the way to accomplish this, separating the item name from its specification. In the above example, you might use "Anti-static" as one type of your "Torx screwdriver."

Pro Tip: Plan item names that encompass no more than 20 or so types. We'll talk about types in more detail below.

The item summary provides a brief idea of what part or tool this is. The summary is included in the item preview on a guide page, so it is very useful for identifying an item in the context of a list of tools, parts, and materials needed for a procedure.

Typical content in a summary includes alternate names, date of release, important specifications, and ID or serial numbers. The Summary is highly weighted in search results as well, so be sure to include common terms, phrases, or words that you think your site users will use to search for this item.

Images help users recognize the item. Not only can you upload a main guide image to serve as the primary visual representation of the item, but you can also upload additional images in the Additional Information section.

The main guide image is the most important image for your item page. When an item is linked to a guide page, the guide image represents the item as the thumbnail for the page in search results as well as in the preview. Since the image is often viewed as a thumbnail, it should be simple and free of clutter.

In the Additional Information Section, you can include more images (and other media) to demonstrate additional details about locating, using, or maintaining tools properly and safely.

The Supplier Table allows you to add details about part numbers, types, and suppliers for the item. These details help your future repairers identify the specific options to choose from when referencing items from your guides to make buying all of the required parts and tools quick and easy.

If you Include a link to the supplier's website or purchasing page for the item, future viewers have the option to see this link and purchase it directly from the guide page.

When editing an item, you'll see a table labeled Suppliers. To add information, simply place your cursor in any section and begin typing.

Item "types" are an easy way to differentiate between kinds of similar items (like a 6" and an 8" Phillips screwdriver).

The part number is the item's SKU or other identification number. It helps your users find or match the specific tool or part based on the provided part numbers.

The supplier is the name of the company that you source the item from.

We recommend this "where to purchase an item" link, but it could also be a page with additional product information from the supplier.

The Additional Information section is used to give, you guessed it, additional information about the item. Include more pictures of the item, further description, or relevant documents in this area. Typical entries include safety information, locations, maintenance details, calibration logs, usage records, or additional images and videos that demonstrate proper usage and/or provide safety overviews.

Each Item Page includes an automatic Guide Reference List, a list of guides that reference this item page by linking the item as a tool or a part associated with that guide.

The Guide Reference List allows you to see right away how many guides will be affected if you intend to make changes to the page. Additionally, the Guide Reference List helps during evaluations or inventories of tools, parts, and materials used in your guides or at your facilities.

Tags act similarly to any other page tags; they increase search popularity by including extra words that many would think of in relation to that Item page, even though they may not be a part of the title or summary.

To add a tag, locate the "Tags" field in the editing interface, type in the tag you want to add, and then click "Add."

Tools are implements; they interact with both parts and devices.

Typically, tools do not get used up (consumed) over the course of a project. You can use them again and again.

Spudgers, a soldering iron, and drivers are all examples of tools.

Parts, on the other hand, get consumed over the course of a project. Meaning you’ll have to restock your supply over time.

They can replace old parts, increase the functionality of an existing object, or serve as raw materials for your project.

A spool of solder, thermal paste, and a sticker to label what you’ve repaired are all examples of parts.

How to Create an Item Page

You can also create item pages directly from the guide as you are building it. Add the part or tool in the Required Tools/Parts Section of the Details tab, and an item page will be created.

To edit an Item page, click on the Edit button at the top of your screen. The Edit Page for that particular Item will appear where the text, pictures, and the supplier table can be edited and arranged accordingly.