Block Collection

A curated set of useful block types for Backdrop CMS site architects. Block
Collection is an umbrella module — enabling it alone does nothing. Enable the
individual sub-modules listed below to add specific block types to your site.

Requirements

• Backdrop CMS 1.x
• Each sub-module requires the Block Collection parent module to be enabled

Installation

1. Place the block_collection folder in your modules/ directory
2. Go to Admin → Modules and enable Block Collection
3. Enable any sub-modules you need (see below)

Sub-modules

Fancy Content Block

Reusable feature tile grids with Phosphor icons or images. Tiles can include a
title, body text, icon or image, and an optional link. Supports configurable
grid sizes, icon styles (circle, square), hover effects, and background options.
With special thanks to @docwilmot for his FanciBlock module
which inspired this very similar version.

Manage at: Admin → Structure → Fancy Content Blocks

CTA Block

Reusable call-to-action blocks with a headline, supporting text, and up to
three buttons. Supports solid color, gradient, and image backgrounds with
automatic light/dark text contrast. Optional icon or image on the left or right.

Manage at: Admin → Structure → CTA Blocks

Content Rotation

Displays a single node that rotates through a configured set on a schedule.
Supports automatic (all published nodes of selected types) or manual node
ordering. Rotation can be triggered by page load, page view count, or a time
interval.

Manage at: Admin → Config → Content → Content Rotation

Conditional Content Block

Displays different content to different visitors based on their user role.
Configured when placing the block in a layout — no separate admin page.

Managing all sub-modules

A front door overview of all Block Collection sub-modules — their status and
links to their respective admin pages — is available at:

Admin → Structure → Block Collection

Placing blocks in a layout

All Block Collection blocks are placed through Backdrop's standard layout
system at Admin → Structure → Layouts. Reusable blocks (Fancy Content
Block, CTA Block) are created and managed independently of any layout, then
selected when placing the block.

Shared library

Block Collection registers a shared CSS/JS library (block_collection) that
sub-modules can load as needed:

backdrop_add_library('block_collection', 'block_collection');

Planned sub-modules

• Dismissible Alert Block — info/warning/success/error notices with
  cookie-based dismissal
• Testimonial/Quote Block — pull quote, attribution, optional avatar
• Stat Counter Block — large number + label, for "by the numbers" sections
• Hero Block — full-width banner with background image and CTA
• Accordion/FAQ Block — collapsible question/answer pairs
• Video Embed Block — YouTube/Vimeo URL to responsive embed

See IDEAS.md for the full roadmap.

Notes About Use of AI

This module was developed with significant assistance from AI tools (specifically Claude by Anthropic). AI was used to generate code, plan features, and make iterative improvements throughout development.

License

This project is GPL v2 software. See the LICENSE.txt file in this directory for complete text.

Current Maintainers

• Tim Erickson @stpaultim
• Seeking additional maintainers.

Supported by

• Triplo