Understanding Form2Content
Form2Content is a Joomla extension (component). It allows users to create 100% native Joomla articles using very simple forms. Each form can have many fields to collect data like images, URL's, text, lists etc.. The layout of the Joomla article is determined by article templates in which the collected data is parsed.
Some facts & benefits of using Form2Content
- Form2Content is a TOOL, not a "plug 'n play" solution ... but it's a fun tool ;)
- Webmaster keeps control over article layout
- Users can manage content without html knowledge or WYSIWYG editor.
- Users can submit content through the front-end.
- Images can be uploaded, cropped and re-sized.
- Advanced templating allows for dynamic content creation..
When to use Form2Content
Form2Content is ideally used for website content which has the same layout but varying information. We call these Content Types and for each allow you to make a custom Article template and submission form.
Examples of content types.
- Blog articles
- News articles
- Portfolio articles
- Documentation articles
- Product pages
- Directory pages
- .......
Technical explanation ... how does it work
In order to actually generate the Joomla article, F2C combines the data from a submitted form with the layout of an article template. The resulting content is saved as a native Joomla article.
Whenever you save your article in the Form2Content Article Manager your corresponding Joomla article content is COMPLETELY REPLACED! Any changes you made in the article using the Joomla article manager will be lost.
YES, F2C keeps your article data stored in DB tables
Form2Content does indeed save all your submitted data in our own DB tables as well. This way we can recreate the Joomla article every time the article data is changed and saved. It also allows us to create extensions such as KML Feeds and F2C Search.