CMS (Content Management System): An Overview

5 min read
The Wix CMS (Content Management System) allows to you manage your site's content in collections that are separate from your editor. You then connect this content to elements on your site, such as repeaters, galleries, and tables. As a result, the connected elements dynamically display the content from your CMS collection.

Display your content in an unlimited number of dynamic pages that share the same consistent layout. Create custom forms for visitors to submit information directly to your collections. Utilize Wix's full suite of SEO options to get the best search engine rankings possible. See how it all works by adding presets in your editor and let AI help you get started creating your first collection. 

Store vast amounts of content in CMS collections

CMS collections are databases where you store content such as text, images, and videos for use on dynamic pages and elements. 

Within each collection, you have the flexibility to select your preferred layout—choose from Table, List, or Gallery—and effortlessly manage different field types. Organize, sort, and filter your data, and save customized views for smooth collaboration with your team. Import and export your collections as CSV files with ease.

Fine-tune access controls with permissions and privacy settings, determining who can view, add, edit, or delete content. Optimize performance with advanced indexes to speed up queries and prevent duplicates.

Stay organized by neatly organizing your collections into folders for quick and easy access. For added security and peace of mind, use Backups to restore previous collection versions.

Integrate seamlessly with Wix App Collections to access data from other Wix apps like Wix Stores or Wix Bookings. And for a worry-free experience, leverage the Sandbox as a safe testing environment to ensure everything is perfect before launching live.
Learn how to create a CMS collection for your site's content. 
A screenshot showing details of a sample CMS collection.

Use dynamic content in your page elements

In the CMS, datasets are your tool for linking elements within your editor to the content stored in your collections. Select any supported element in your editor and click the Connect to CMS icon to map out which collection fields correspond to each part of your elements. 

Within your dataset settings, you have full control. Customize the dataset mode to suit your needs, set the maximum number of items to load at once, and fine-tune filters and sorting conditions to exclude specific items and determine their display order on your site. With these settings, you can ensure your content is presented exactly how you envision it.
A screenshot of the connection options in a gallery.

Create dynamic pages that share the same structure

With dynamic pages, you can revolutionize the way you build and manage your website, streamlining the creation and upkeep process with ease. Dynamic pages maintain a consistent layout and design across your site while dynamically updating their content based on the connected collection items.

Unlike static pages, which are limited to 100 per Wix site, dynamic pages offer limitless potential. You can create as many dynamic pages as needed to meet your clients' requirements without any restrictions.

There are two types of dynamic pages:
  • Dynamic List Pages: These pages serve as showcases for multiple items sourced from a collection, presenting them in galleries or repeaters. Visitors can interact with these pages, clicking on specific items to navigate to their respective dynamic item pages for details.
  • Dynamic Item Pages: Automatically generated for each item within your connected collection, these pages provide comprehensive information about individual collection items. Various page elements are dynamically populated with details from your collection fields, offering a seamless browsing experience for your site visitors.
A screenshot of dynamic pages in the Studio Editor.

Collect site visitor submissions in CMS collections

Empower site visitors to engage with your site through personalized input and navigation features. Take full control by setting permissions for each collection, managing who can access and modify collection content.

Enhance user interaction by seamlessly integrating input elements like text fields, signature boxes, and upload buttons with datasets, enabling visitors to submit data directly to CMS collections. Implement interactive filtering options with dropdowns, selection tags, and radio buttons, allowing visitors to refine their browsing experience within repeaters or galleries.

Tailor unique interactive and navigational elements by linking buttons or images to datasets and defining their click actions. For example, you can design buttons that load additional items within a repeater or gallery, navigate to the next dynamic item page, reset input values, and more. With these customized features, you can enhance user experience and encourage meaningful engagement on your site.
Learn how to create a custom form using input elements that submits to your collection. 
A screenshot of using input elements to create a custom form.

Optimize dynamic page SEO settings

Manage SEO settings for dynamic pages within your editor. Customize the URL slug structure by adding variables, ensuring that each CMS collection item receives its own distinctive web address. These variables are automatically substituted with the actual field values from the collection items so that every page has a unique URL. This practice not only aids search engines in comprehending the content of each page but also assists visitors in understanding the relevance of the content.
A screenshot of various SEO settings for a dynamic item page.

Jumpstart your CMS with presets and AI

Begin by exploring presets or AI (Artificial Intelligence) to expedite your workflow.

Presets serve as templates for dynamic page creation within the CMS. Each preset includes:
  • A sample collection pre-filled with content linked to new dynamic pages.
  • A dynamic list page showcasing collection items in a repeater or gallery.
  • A dynamic item page providing detailed information about individual collection items.

Choose from a range of customizable presets. Upon adding a preset, the dynamic pages and their associated collection are seamlessly integrated into your editor, ready for customization according to your preferences.

Additionally, harness the power of AI with the AI Collection Creator to streamline the creation of new CMS collections. Simply provide a name and prompt for the collection you wish to create, and let AI handle the rest. Once generated, manage the collection fields and content just like any other collection.
A screenshot of adding a CMS preset in the Wix Editor.
Get started today by adding the CMS to your site

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