# Using Content Blocks

StoryMaps provides a number of content block styles to choose from. Please note that public ArcGIS accounts do not have the embed, audio, and image gallery available.&#x20;

* [View this StoryMap](https://arcg.is/aqOmi0) for a demonstration of the different kinds of content blocks.&#x20;

## Adding a New Content Block

To add a new content block, click in the area just above or below an existing content block.  (The plus sign is automatically there when first launching a new story.) It will look like the following:

![](https://4055173823-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgXtIWpHMikxGQHLU5T%2F-MWUkNxq8Imzx4hmSyZf%2F-MWUlSzznIMm61L_qfcY%2Fstorymap_plus-sign-content-1.jpg?alt=media\&token=50790114-e6e5-429e-a4dd-9f694c023ca7)

You will see the various content block and element options:

![](https://4055173823-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgXtIWpHMikxGQHLU5T%2F-MWUkNxq8Imzx4hmSyZf%2F-MWUlV3zp4lbojfD8lwi%2Fstorymap_plus-sign-content2-1.png?alt=media\&token=e3c8f12b-4b62-4e86-9037-6fb9a2333997)

## Content Block Types

Below are descriptions of the different content blocks with links to instructions created by ArcGIS. They are organized as "Basic," "Media," and "Immersive," which is how they are organized in Story Maps.

### Basic

![](https://4055173823-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgXtIWpHMikxGQHLU5T%2F-MWUkNxq8Imzx4hmSyZf%2F-MWUlJzK9z68-NaUHJHh%2Fcontent_basic.png?alt=media\&token=338f0413-12e7-4b84-8e79-04d61d67cecd)

* **Text** - a text block for general textual content, headers, bullet point, lists, quotes, etc.
* **Button** - adds a button that can be linked to outside sources.
* **Separator** - adds a line to break up content on the page, used to make content more readable and navigable&#x20;

ArcGIS instructions:

* See [Add narrative text](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-narrative-text.htm)

### Media

![](https://4055173823-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgXtIWpHMikxGQHLU5T%2F-MWUkNxq8Imzx4hmSyZf%2F-MWUlHVB0-iBuPRZ9kRO%2Fcontent_media.png?alt=media\&token=e8b0e880-6069-4ac4-891e-65b0631eb61d)

* **Map** - create "express maps" in Story Maps or bring in ArcGIS map
* **Image** - upload or link to images
* **Image gallery\*** - create an image gallery in the form of a grid of images
* **Video** - upload or link to videos
* **Audio\*** - upload or embed sound clips
* **Embed\*** - embed different types of media (e.g., a TimelineJS timeline or a 360 degree photograph)
* **Swipe** - create a swiping effect between two images or online maps &#x20;

\*_Not available with the free version._

ArcGIS instructions:

* See ArcGIS's [Getting started with ArcGIS StoryMaps](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cea22a609a1d4cccb8d54c650b595bc4) sections: "Building a Narrative," "Add an Embed," and "Make a Map"
* Also, see: [Add maps](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-maps.htm), [Add media](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-media.htm), and [Add swipe blocks](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-swipes.htm)

### Immersive

![](https://4055173823-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LgXtIWpHMikxGQHLU5T%2F-MWUkNxq8Imzx4hmSyZf%2F-MWUlBv7JJiQlw7iipBW%2Fcontent_immersive.png?alt=media\&token=c96dba47-99cd-4695-bcf6-0b8258a53706)

* **Slideshow** - create a more traditional slideshow
* **Sidecar** - create a moving side panel for text and media independent of the main panel, also allows for text blocks to overlay and move across media
* **Map tour** - create an interactive map that combines images, text with a map

_Note that the Slideshow option has been incorporated into the Sidecar layouts._

ArcGIS instructions:

* See ArcGIS's [Getting started with ArcGIS StoryMaps](https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/cea22a609a1d4cccb8d54c650b595bc4) sections: "Add Immersives"
* Also see, [Add sidecars](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-sidecars.htm), [Add slideshows](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-slideshows.htm), [Add map tours](https://doc.arcgis.com/en/arcgis-storymaps/author-and-share/add-guided-tours.htm)

