This page provides answers to several commonly asked questions about using Digital Commons Exhibits (DCX). Please contact your consultant if you have any questions not answered here.

Why are items and thumbnail images missing from the exhibit page?

The most likely cause of records or sections missing from an exhibit page is a missing "Exhibit items" block. To fix this, go to the edit page for the exhibit and check if an “Exhibit items” block is present:

If one is not present, click a + plus icon where you'd like to add the block and choose the “Exhibit items” option:

Click the Save Draft menu, then select Publish to display the contents on the exhibit site. 

Why are thumbnail images for exhibits not showing up on the site landing page?

This can result when the number entered for “Max collections all” in the landing page settings is lower than the total number of exhibits. To fix this, see Customize Your DCX Site and refer to the “Edit Site Title and Landing Page” section.

What content and file types will display in DCX when importing from Digital Commons, and which will not?

See “What Carries Over from DC” on Import Content to an Exhibit for details. 

Will revisions in DC show up in DCX?

Revisions to metadata in DC do not automatically update the corresponding DCX record that was imported from DC. However, the full text file available via the download button for an imported record will always lead to the most current file in DC.

What should I choose in the "Collection" menu when adding or saving images?

When uploading, searching, or saving images, the “Collection” menu offers a choice of two options: your site name by itself or your site name followed by “(Collections).”

The site name by itself option includes all images that have been uploaded directly to your site, including logos, banners, thumbnail images, etc. The site name followed by "(Collections)" includes all images that have been imported from Digital Commons to your site's exhibits. When choosing images, you may select from either. When saving images, your site name by itself without "(Collections)" after it is the best option in most cases.

See Upload or Search for Images in DCX for more about working with images on your DCX site.

What can I add to enhance individual item pages in an exhibit?

Item pages in an exhibit are not limited to what's included in an import from DC. You can supplement the default content by adding elements such as images, embeds, or descriptive text. See Customize DCX Item Pages and Thumbnails for options.

How do I create a compound object?

For a set of images or other items related to the same object, you're able to create a “compound object” that displays the items together with more seamless navigation. To do this, place the items into a section and use the Gallery Layout setting. See Add a Section to an Exhibit for more information. 

What is the difference between standard and scrolling exhibits?

DCX standard exhibits are included with your Digital Commons subscription. They allow you to import items (articles, images, etc.) from Digital Commons and curate them by subject, initiative, or any other grouping. Scrolling exhibits are available as an add-on. With scrolling exhibits, you can create dynamic, single-page showcases with additional effects such as text overlays and transitions between images.