IMSS has just launched a substantial upgrade to Caltech Sites - including a number of features that should make editing sites more convenient. The most notable changes include the following:
Autosave for pages
Caltech Sites now autosaves page edits in the background while you work. This helps prevent losing work if a tab closes or a session is interrupted. If Caltech Sites detects a conflict (for example, another active editing session) or a validation problem, autosave pauses and shows a clear notice. Autosave will resume once the issue is resolved.
Page preview is more forgiving
Caltech Sites now supports a more flexible draft workflow. Previously you could not preview a page until all required fields were filled in. Now incomplete pages can be previewed and saved as drafts more reliably, while still enforcing validation at publish time.
Forms for editing blocks are cleaner
Caltech Sites block editing forms were refactored to use grouped, collapsible settings sections with clearer labels and help text. Editors should see less clutter on complex blocks, with advanced options moved into collapsed sections.
Examples of reorganized settings in this release include:
- News teaser blocks (filtering options grouped)
- Event blocks (filter groups + display options grouped/collapsed)
- Publications and other content blocks with "Additional Settings" grouping
- Image carousel settings are grouped and less important ones hidden until needed.
Previews in our tagging dashboards
News and Event dashboard actions now make it clearer whether a link opens shared content or the current site's version ("View ... on this Site"). This should reduce confusion when managing content shared across multiple sites.
Visual changes
- The footer and simple headers now extend to fill the entire browser window.
- Quick links can now be centered or left aligned
- Action buttons no longer collapse on mobile devices
Questions and Support
If you already have a site, you will see these improvements immediately. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Please remember to include the url for the site or the particular page that you are asking about.
Sites on the Caltech Sites platform are available for free to faculty, postdocs, students, campus organizations, and student clubs. To request a site, please fill out our request form.