This lesson shows how to create a new content type called 'Projects' and how to add project pages to a drop down menu.
[Distinctive types of content should have their own content types for when you need unique ways of categorising information and displaying it for site visitors using the Views module.]
1. Create a top level page called Projects
Go to >>> Add content >>> Basic page. [You don't need the new content type for this.]
1. Enter Projects in the title space.
2. Add information in the Body area.
3. Check Provide a menu link
4. Make sure that the Parent item is 'Main menu'
5. Publish
2. Projects is now added to the Main menu.
Hover on the menu item to bring up a downward arrow indicating a submenu.
3. Create a content type called Projects
1. In the Admin menu >>> Structure >>> Content types >>> Add a content type
2. Enter the name and a description for users
4. Basic customisation 1
1. Change the Title field label to Project name [you can leave it as is but it's good to make it distinct for users].
2. Disable 'Preview before submitting' [you can leave it on but it can be a distraction]
5. Basic customisation 2
1. Uncheck Display author and date
2. Choose whether or not you want people to be able to leave comments - at this stage choose 'Hidden' [You can turn Comments on later when all privacy issues are agreed on]
6. Basic customisation 3
1. Check 'Main menu' from the select list
2. Save content type. You can Click on Save and add fields for a look - that is where the next level of customisation happens. [Later]
7. Future customisation options
Go to: Administration >>> Content types >>> Projects
1. To edit any of the basic customisations you have made
2. To add fields [images, attachments, tags field etc]
3. To select how you want different fields to be displayed
4. To delete the content type [if you make mistakes you can start again] but the machine name 'projects' stays in the Drupal database
8. Customise the Menu
1. Go to Administration >>> Structure >>> Menus
2. Click on Edit menu in Main menu
9. Edit Menu 1
Click on your new menu item
10. Edit menu 2
1. Enter a description that will show up on mouse hover (optional)
2. Check show as expanded if you want this link to have a dropdown submenu
3. Save your changes.
11. Add content - add a Project page
Add Content in the shortcuts menu bar >>> Projects
12. Enter your content and set the menu link
1. Add title [Project name]
2. Add content [Body]
3. Click on Provide menu link and set the parent item to 'Projects' and Save your changes.
Your Menu item 'Projects' will now have a downward pointing arrow next to it showing that there are submenu items (if the theme design allows for this - most do).
NOTE: not all themes display the submenu as a dropdown in the navigation region. You main need to experiment with placing your main menu block in different regions on the Blocks page.
Recommended help
These are excellent: http://www.leveltendesign.com/tutorial/course/getting-started-drupal-7
1. Introduction to Content types
2. Creating Content types
[And any others in these sections]
