An Introduction to Tridion

Gain Access to Tridion

Please contact ysm.editor@yale.edu to request access to Tridion. Make sure to indicate the site(s) you'll be editing so we can grant you the appropriate access.
Tridion is a Content Management System (CMS), a program which allowers users to organize, edit, and publish web content. CMS's are used to maintain websites that generally does not require knowledge of HTML to make basic site updates. Because Tridion is web-based, you can access it through your web browser rather than opening an application on your computer like Outlook or Excel. 

In the following sections, you will learn how Tridion organizes pages and contents and how to navigate Tridion. 

Accessing Tridion

You need to use an internet browser (Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or Safari) to access Tridion. The program will only be "open" in the tab or window that you are using Tridion. Tridion operates best on Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. If necessary, Explorer 8.0 or higher or the latest version of Safari can be used, but Tridion runs slower on these browsers. 

  • If you are not using a computer that is directly connected to the Yale network, log into the network using the Yale VPN first. 
  • Tridion can be accessed at http://edit.yale.edu/. You will be prompted to enter your NetID and password.
  • Notes: Turn off pop-up blockers for the domain: edit.yale.edu. If it's your first time accessing Tridion, you'll have to select your preferred language before you can begin editing.

Part 1: The Fundamentals

Before learning how to create or edit your site, please review these Tridion fundamentals. Understanding whats discussed in the following sections is critical for being able to progress to the next stages of page and website development. 


I. Key Terms

Review of Key Terms Summary ImageReview these key terms before proceeding to the following sections.

II. Tridion Basics

Tridion Logo

Grasping how Tridion organizes websites along with their pages and content will make for a smoother transition into actual site building. This section is not intended to teach you how to build or edit sites just yet, but rather provide an overview of how Tridion looks in your browser.

III. Navigating Tridion

Navigating Tridion Summary Image

Navigating Tridion is different from how you would navigate a website you would typically find on the web.  This guide will help clarify how to navigate Tridion.

Part 2: Overview of Website Building

Now that you've learned some general features of Tridion, you can begin to think about how to organize and build your website.

I. Pages and Structure Groups

Pages Summary ImageThe way pages and structure groups are organized in the Root folder will determine how users navigate your site.

II. Components

Component Summary ImageComponents are individual pieces of contentthat are inserted onto pages.Which pages you insert components onto will determine what visitors see in the various sections of your site.

Part 3: Going Live & Editing Existing Material

This section discusses general rules for publishing and editing in Tridion.

I. Publishing

Publishing Summary ImageTridion allows you to preview, or test, how your site will look and function before going "live." This section covers how to publish your site to the preview and live servers. 

II. Editing

Editing Summary ImageEditors will spend the majority of their time editing existing sites. Tridion has a streamlined method for editing that eliminates the hassle of having to work in the Building Blocks folders.

III. Test Your Tridion Knowledge

Test Tridion Knowledge Image
Before going on to build specific components and pages, take this short quiz. Mastering Tridion is a process!