Skip to content
Optimizely CertificationOptimizely Certification Optimizely Certification

Manage the Blocks Library

⏱ 10 minutes beginner

Why use shared blocks

Section titled “Why use shared blocks”

Blocks are reusable content pieces — banners, call-to-action cards, testimonial quotes, or promotional panels. When you store a block in the library, any page can reference it. Update the block once, and every page that uses it reflects the change instantly. This saves time and keeps content consistent.

Open the blocks library

Section titled “Open the blocks library”
  1. Click the Blocks tab in the left navigation panel.
  2. The library displays all shared blocks organized in folders.
  3. Verify you can see existing folders and blocks in the tree view.

Create a new block

Section titled “Create a new block”
  1. In the blocks library, navigate to the folder where you want the block.
  2. Right-click the folder and select New Block.
  3. Choose a block type from the list, such as “Promo Banner” or “Testimonial.”
  4. Enter a descriptive name, such as “Spring Sale Banner.”
  5. Fill in the content fields (text, images, links).
  6. Click Save.
  7. Verify the new block appears in the folder with the name you entered.

Organize blocks in folders

Section titled “Organize blocks in folders”

Folders prevent the library from becoming cluttered as your site grows.

  1. In the blocks library, right-click the parent location.
  2. Select New Folder.
  3. Enter a folder name that describes the category, such as “Banners” or “CTAs.”
  4. Click Create.
  5. Drag existing blocks into the new folder to reorganize.
  6. Verify each moved block appears in its new folder.

Insert a block into a page

Section titled “Insert a block into a page”
  1. Open the page you want to edit.
  2. Click a content area or block slot on the page.
  3. Select Add Block or click the plus icon.
  4. Search for the block by name or browse the library.
  5. Select the block and click Insert.
  6. Save the page.
  7. Verify the block content appears in the page preview.

Edit a shared block

Section titled “Edit a shared block”

Changes to a shared block update everywhere it is used.

  1. Open the block from the blocks library, or click it on any page that contains it.
  2. Edit the fields you want to change.
  3. Click Save or Publish depending on your workflow.
  4. Verify by opening two different pages that use the block. Both should show the updated content.

Find where a block is used

Section titled “Find where a block is used”

Before editing or deleting a block, check which pages reference it.

  1. Open the block in the blocks library.
  2. Click the Referenced by tab in the properties panel.
  3. Review the list of pages that use this block.
  4. Verify you understand the impact before making changes.

Delete a block

Section titled “Delete a block”
  1. Check the Referenced by list to confirm no pages use the block.
  2. Right-click the block in the library.
  3. Select Move to Trash.
  4. Confirm the deletion.
  5. Verify the block no longer appears in the library.

Common issues

Section titled “Common issues”
IssueCauseFix
Block not showing on pageBlock is in draft, not publishedPublish the block
Changes not visible on live siteBlock changes saved but not publishedPublish the updated block
Cannot delete blockPages still reference itRemove the block from all pages first