Creating Patterns
Advanced Training Module 6: Patterns
Patterns allow you to save groups of blocks and reuse them throughout your website. Instead of recreating the same layout, call to action, or content structure multiple times, you can build it once and save it as a pattern.
Patterns help maintain consistency across your website, reduce repetitive work, and make content creation faster and easier.
Common examples include:
- Call-to-action sections
- Contact information blocks
- Staff profile layouts
- Event promotion sections
- Frequently used page layouts
- Reusable content components
Why Use Patterns?
Patterns are most useful when you find yourself creating the same combination of blocks repeatedly.
For example, instead of rebuilding this section on every page:
- Heading
- Introduction Text
- Button
You can create a pattern and insert it whenever needed.
Patterns help ensure:
- Consistent layouts
- Consistent messaging
- Faster page creation
- Reduced maintenance
Creating a Pattern
A pattern can be created from any compatible set of blocks.
Step 1: Create or Locate Content
Start with a group of blocks that you would like to reuse.
Examples include:
- A heading and button
- A callout section
- A contact block
- A page introduction layout
You can use existing content or create a new block layout specifically for your pattern.
Step 2: Select the Blocks
Select all blocks that should be included in the pattern.
Tip: Using List View often makes selecting multiple blocks much easier than selecting them directly within the page.
Verify that all required blocks are selected before proceeding.
Step 3: Create the Pattern
With the blocks selected:
- Open the block options menu.
- Select Create Pattern.
- Enter the pattern details.
The selected blocks will become a reusable pattern.
Step 4: Name and Organize the Pattern
When saving a pattern, provide:
Pattern Name
Choose a descriptive name.
Good examples:
- Page Introduction
- Contact Section
- Event Promotion Banner
Clear names make patterns easier to find later.
Pattern Category (Optional)
Categories can help organize larger pattern collections.
Synced vs Non-Synced Patterns
One of the most important decisions when creating a pattern is whether it should be synced or non-synced.
Synced Patterns
A synced pattern remains connected everywhere it is used.
If the pattern is updated:
- ✅ Every instance updates automatically.
If the phone number changes and the pattern is updated, every page using that pattern will automatically display the new information.
Synced patterns are ideal for:
- Contact information
- Reusable notices
- Standard calls to action
- Consistent site-wide content
Non-Synced Patterns
A non-synced pattern acts as a starting point.
After insertion:
- ✅ The content can be edited independently.
- ✅ Changes do not affect other copies.
Editors can customize each instance without affecting other pages.
Non-synced patterns are ideal for:
- Page layouts
- Content templates
- Starting structures
- Customizable designs
Which Type Should I Choose?
A simple rule:
Use Synced Patterns When
The content should be identical everywhere.
Examples:
- Contact information
- Legal notices
- Reusable announcements
Use Non-Synced Patterns When
The layout should be reused but the content will change.
Examples:
- Landing page templates
- News article layouts
- Department introduction sections
When in doubt, choose carefully. Converting a frequently edited section into a synced pattern can create unintended site-wide changes.
Not All Blocks Support Patterns
Some blocks cannot be used inside patterns.
If you do not see the Create Pattern option:
- Review the selected blocks.
- Remove incompatible blocks.
- Try again.
Most common content and layout blocks work well within patterns.
Best Practices
Use Descriptive Names
Future editors should immediately understand the purpose of the pattern.
Start Small
Simple patterns are often more useful and flexible than large complex ones.
Use Synced Patterns Sparingly
Only use synced patterns when content truly needs to remain identical across the website.
Create Patterns for Repeated Content
If you’ve recreated something more than two or three times, it may be a good candidate for a pattern.
Review Existing Patterns First
Before creating a new pattern, check whether a similar one already exists.
Common Pattern Examples
Patterns are commonly used for:
Call-to-Action Sections
Heading
Description
ButtonContact Information
Department Name
Email
Phone NumberPage Introductions
Heading
Introduction
ImagePromotional Sections
Image
Text
ButtonThese reusable elements can save significant time across a website.
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Hello, and welcome to cutheme Mastery Training, Module 6. In this video, we will go over creating patterns.
So, now that you know what a pattern is, it’s time to see how they can be created.
First, create the base for your pattern, the specific blocks in their specific locations. I have this one made here, but feel free to experiment with different layouts for your patterns, and use what works best for your site.
Next, select the blocks you want included within your pattern. To do this, select the three lines here. You can select what blocks you want in it. So, select your first block, and select your end block, and shift-click. This will select all blocks in between, so now all your blocks have been selected.
Once all your blocks are highlighted, select the three dots, and select “create pattern”.
You will then be able to give your pattern a name, and place it in any categories you feel fit.
Lastly, you can choose whether this pattern is synced or non-synced.
By default, synced is selected, which means when you edit the pattern, it will update every instance of that pattern across your site. Make sure your choice is the one that will work the best with your site.
Now click create, and you now have your own pattern.
Try it Out!
- Create a small group of blocks.
- Save them as a Synced Pattern.
- Create a second group of blocks.
- Save them as a Non-Synced Pattern.
- Give both patterns descriptive names.
- Add them to a page and compare how they behave.