Introduction to Mass.gov
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Mass.gov brand, content & style
Authoring & Editing
Content types
Documents, Images & Media
The Data Hub
Analytics & measurement
Public & visitor feedback
💡
Updates, releases & tips
Digital Service resources
Choosing a content type
Considerations for selecting a content type (aka, template) for your content.
As an author or editor at Mass.gov, you have the option to choose from an array of content types. These content types were built with consistency and visitor experience in mind, to ensure constituents can easily find the information they need in a predictable way.
But if you’re about to draft a page, you might not know which content type is best for you. This table can help you identify what fits best. If you’re still unsure, reach out to the Mass.gov Digital team for help.
Content type
Purpose
Special notes
Important, time-sensitive information for agencies and organizations, such as an office being closed.
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Important, time-sensitive information for the state level, such as health emergencies or weather events
Restricted access only for designated authors.
A block of information you can add across your pages to help constituents contact you or your organization.
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Creating a page of one or more lists. Two kinds of lists: People and contacts (directories) and links/documents.
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Walk people through choices of a complicated process to help them reach a conclusion.
In beta, ongoing development.
Overview of a complicated process or service, especially if it involves multiple steps or organizations.
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Help people complete a task in a certain order. Pay, apply, request, register, etc.
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Flexible layout for informational pages. You can display images, Tableau data visualizations, etc. easier in info details.
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Includes advisories, decisions, executive orders, regulations, and rules of court.
Limited use.
Allows you to add information that doesn’t fit on a Locations page, including facility info, regulations, accessibility information, etc.
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Highlight information about your organization’s services, leadership, news, events, contact information, and more.
Offers organization-specific navigation options.
Elected officials, board members, or state employees affiliated with the state.
Can include name, photograph, organization, role, and biographical information.
Supports marketing or educational efforts; intended to be published for a short period of time.
A hub for information and transactions that make up a program or service.
Best used to lead users to more specific actionable or informational pages; little space for copy, mostly buttons.
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