This article covers how icon navigation, also called quicklinks, works on the homepage and other pages in Finalsite Composer, including where to find site-specific instructions for updating the icon panel and what to do when Button Panel icon access is not available.
💡Quick answers
- What is icon navigation on a Finalsite website? Icon navigation, often called quicklinks, is a panel of icon buttons that link to key pages. In Website Instructions, this element is usually labeled Button Panel or Icon Panel.
- Where are the instructions for editing the icon panel? Each site's Website Instructions cover the icon panel steps for that build. Find Website Instructions in Composer Pages, under Production (Branch) or Instructions (Branch).
- Can every site edit icons the same way? No. Some site builds include direct access to the Finalsite Icon Library through the Button Panel; others do not. Website Instructions confirm which situation applies to a given site.
- What if Website Instructions do not cover the icon panel? Reach out to Finalsite Support or a Client Success Manager for help.
Understand icon navigation and the Button Panel
Icon navigation, sometimes called quicklinks, is a row or grid of icon buttons that link to frequently visited pages, such as admissions, calendars, or contact information. This element most often appears on the homepage, though some sites place it on other pages as well.
In Website Instructions, this same element is documented as the Button Panel or Icon Panel. Both terms describe the same type of Navigation Element: a container that can include a panel title, an optional text area, and a set of icon buttons or quicklink images.
Format icon images to the recommended size
Icon panel images work best as simple, bold, square graphics. The table below lists the standard aspect ratio for this image type.
| Media item | Where in the CMS | Aspect ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icon panel images | Homepage | 1:1 (400 x 400 px) | Best for quick links or CTAs; keep simple and bold. |
Confirm Button Panel icon access for the site build
Site build determines whether Composer surfaces direct access to icon images. Many sites include a Button Panel with a built-in icon library, giving admins the ability to add, swap, reorder, or remove icon buttons without support from a developer. Other site builds do not expose this option, and updates to the icon panel may follow a different path.
Website Instructions confirm which situation applies to a given site.
Locate icon panel instructions in Website Instructions
Website Instructions, also called Site Instructions, hold the exact steps for a site's Button Panel or Icon Panel, including access to the Finalsite Icon Library where that access exists. Follow these steps to find them:
- Step 1: Open Composer Pages.
- Step 2: Select Production (Branch) on older sites, or Instructions (Branch) on newer sites.
- Step 3: Open Website Instructions.
- Step 4: Search the page for Button Panel or Icon Panel to find the icon-specific steps.
⚠️ Important Note
Looking for the exact steps? Website Instructions cover:
- Updating the panel title or text area, if applicable.
- Adding or swapping out an icon button or quicklink image.
- Reordering icon buttons or removing a quicklink from the icon panel.
Not listed in a particular site's instructions? Reach out to Finalsite Support or a Client Success Manager, or email clientsuccess@finalsite.com, for help.
Review implementation training on Site Instructions
During implementation, site admins are trained to use Site Instructions, also called Website Instructions, to manage day-to-day updates like the icon panel. For a refresher on this training and other client learning resources, see Learning resources for Finalsite clients.
Comments
Please Sign in to leave a comment if you don't see the comment box below.