External resources in the Resources module link to files hosted on external platforms (Dropbox, Google Docs, etc.) without using your Finalsite disk space. They function like regular resources — they can be added to galleries, displayed in Resource elements, and used across your site.
💡Quick answers
- What is an external resource in Finalsite? A link to a file hosted on an external platform (Dropbox, Google Docs, etc.) saved in Resources; it behaves like a regular resource without using your Finalsite disk space.
- How do you create an external resource? In the Resources module, use the Upload Resource dropdown and select the external source (Dropbox, Google Drive, or External URL), then connect or paste the link.
- Can external resources be added to galleries and Resource elements? Yes; once created, external resources can be added to galleries, displayed in Resource elements, and used anywhere on your site just like public resources.
- What is the benefit of using external resources over uploading files directly? They preserve your Finalsite disk space and keep the file managed in its original location (e.g., a Google Drive document stays editable there while still appearing on your site).
The Resources module allows you to link to externally hosted files, providing advantages such as conserving your Finalsite disk space and enabling linked thumbnails within Resource elements. These External resources can include files stored on platforms like Dropbox or Google Docs, functioning just like public or private resources within your site. Once saved, they can be integrated into galleries, displayed in Resource elements, and seamlessly utilized across your website.
Here's how it works!
In this article
- Step 1: Obtain the URL for your external resource
- Step 2: Upload your media as an External Link
- Step 3: Configure external resource
- Step 4: Confirm successful upload
Important Note
It's important to consider the source of a file you use as an external link. If you do not control the file, it is possible for it to be overwritten, and you may end up with content you don't want on your site. Resources from other sites may be subject to copyright considerations, as well.
Step 1: Obtain the URL for your external resource
Before you start to do the steps, locate and copy the URL for your external resource. For example, you may copy the link to an external website or shared media you'd like to store in Resources for easy access.
Important Note
Avoid using the Resources module as a file-sharing service to ensure stability and efficiency. Copying and utilizing the Link to Resource feature in the Quick Actions Panel is not recommended for the following reasons:
Direct links can:
- Break due to updates or file name changes.
- Cause bandwidth issues since they aren't optimized.
- Fail to appear in the “Where Used?” menu, increasing the risk of accidental deletions.
Recommended alternatives:
- Insert links in the content editor, selecting the Site File option.
- Link to a page that displays resources in Resource Elements.
Step 2: Upload your media as an External Link
- Open up the folder where your resource's external link will be housed.
- Locate the green Public Resource button in Resources.
- Choose External Link from the green upload resource menu.
- Drag and drop or browse to select your resource. Learn more about other upload options by checking out, "Alternative upload methods."
Step 3: Configure External Link Resource
- In the details window that pops up, enter the URL for the resource in the External URL field.
- Add a Title, Description, Thumbnail Alt Text, and Tags on this screen as well.
- Choose a Thumbnail to represent the resource by clicking on the image icon to the left of the Title field.
Step 4: Confirm successful upload
Once you click Save, your new resource should populate into the folder that you had opened up in Step 2.
Important Notes
- Once uploaded, the external link is displayed and behaves almost like a normal, internal resource.
- An external resource, though, cannot be edited and is designated External in place of size or dimension information.
- If you need to link a YouTube video as an external resource, we have a specific resource type for that purpose. Refer to "Create a YouTube video resource" for more details.
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