The Content Editor’s user interface consists of three main areas:

• The ribbon – the area where most page functionality and options are available.
• The content tree – the area where all Sitecore items are organized and displayed.
• The content area – the area containing page fields where basic page content can be edited.

The Ribbon

The ribbon, or "toolbar," at the top of the Sitecore window consists of several tabs where different Sitecore functions can be accessed.

Commons functions include:

• Lock and Edit - used before editing an item to prevent others from editing at the same time as you.
• Saving edits, Approving for publication, Recursively publishing, and Unpublishing

The Content Tree

One of the most important features of the Content Editor is the content tree, which displays all the items that are created within your site. The content tree has a similar structure to the one used in Windows Explorer, with items represented by many different icons.

You can expand groups in the content tree just as you can with the folders in Windows Explorer. When there is a plus sign ‘+’ beside an icon, it contains subitems and can be expanded. When there is a minus sign ‘-’ beside an icon, it has already been expanded and you can contract it. When there is no symbol, the item contains no subitems.

The Content Area

The content area contains many page fields divided into different categories like identity, content, and visibility options. All fields are listed and defined on the Page Fields page.

The top right of the content area houses the page field quick jump menu and the item version menu.

Page Field Quick Jump Menu

The quick jump menu allows you to select the desired category or page field and skip directly to it in the content area. This saves time when scrolling through the fields, especially if you want to go to the bottom of the page.

Version Menu

The version menu allows you to save a version of an item as it currently is, and to restore items to a previous version is necessary.