Buying guide example

Buying guides often include structured content like size charts, feature comparisons, and Q&A sections.

The Dynamic Content matrix feature is ideal for creating this type of content - letting you add your content in intuitive row-and-column layouts, similar to those your audience might see.

Need help using a matrix?

See Matrix essentials for help with tasks, such as pasting into a matrix and reordering rows.

To make row-and-column content creation easier...

Ask your developers about configuring your content types to use the matrix component.

Buying guide with the matrix

Using examples based on a bed linen buying guide, we’ll show how the matrix can help you create easy-to-scan content in layouts suitable for buying guides.

Size chart example

Our example bed linen buying guide includes a sizing chart with information about sheets for different size beds.

To create our size chart, we open the "Sheet sizing guide" content type, that's been set up by our developers. More about content types.

We can add rows individually by clicking + Bed linen sizes, or paste content to add them automatically - see Adding size chart content.

Adding size chart content

For this example, the size chart content is already formatted and ready to paste. We can paste it directly into the empty matrix. Note, when using this method, the number of columns you paste must exactly match the matrix - any additional, required rows will be automatically created.

The entire size chart has been added, creating new rows that can be edited, reordered, or removed using the "Row actions".

tip

The number of lines added (4 in this example) can be seen at a glance to the right of the matrix title.

Q&A section example

In our bed linen buying guide, we’ll add a Q&A section using a content type with a matrix. More about content types.

To add content, we click + Questions and answers. Note, the button name and headings were configured by developers for this example.

A new row is added and we’ve entered our first question and answer.

Next we'll paste in some content. To do this, in an empty row select the starting cell, then use the standard paste shortcut keys (for example, Ctrl +V on Windows or Cmd +V on Mac).

The content is pasted.

Feature comparison example

Our example bed linen buying guide needs information to help buyers compare the differences between fabric types.

To create our feature comparison chart, we open the content type, that's been set up by our developers. More about content types.

We start adding rows by clicking + Fabric comparison:

The example below shows we've entered most of the details for the first row. The matrix includes several different field types, including text, image, yes/no (boolean) and rich text. More about Matrix data types.

Adding rich text content

Here, the last column is a rich text field that opens the editor for adding and formatting content.

How to tell if you can add rich text...

If a cell supports rich text, it will display a prompt indicating that you can open the text editor.

Matrix essentials for authors

The Dynamic Content matrix feature works much like a table - with a few key differences explained below.

Copying a matrix row

To copy a matrix row, select the starting cell, then use the standard paste shortcut keys (for example, Ctrl +C on Windows or Cmd +C on Mac).

Pasting into a matrix

Pasting in a matrix works in a similar way to other tools. It depends on the source selection, its format, and the cells selected in the matrix.

Shortcut: Paste into an empty matrix

You can paste content directly into an empty matrix without adding rows first. Learn how in Adding size chart content.

To paste into a matrix:

1. Select the starting cell - This marks where the paste operation will begin. Below, the starting cell is highlighted with a blue border.

   

2. Paste the content:

   • If you paste a single item of data, it will appear in the selected cell
   • If you paste data that will span multiple cells, the content will fill consecutive cells across columns until all rows are pasted (as shown below)

   

What happens if…

Scenario	Result
No cell is selected before pasting	Content is pasted starting from the top-left cell of the matrix, overwriting any existing data.
The wrong cell is selected	Content is pasted starting from that cell, filling columns from that point onward. For example, if you paste 4 columns into a 3 column matrix, the extra data will be lost. Similarly, if you paste in a mid cell you will lose the extra cells that are beyond the matrix columns.

Matrix data types

When pasting content into a matrix, consider both the type of data you’re pasting and the matrix cell type.

These examples illustrate what happens when you paste data into different field types:

Field type	Paste behavior
Text (string)	Any type of content can be pasted into a string field.
Date and time	Only valid date or time data can be pasted.
Email or web addresses	Only valid email or URL data can be pasted.
Number	Text (string) values cannot be pasted into number fields - an error will occur.
Media chooser	Pasting a string or number into a cell that contains media (for example, an image or video) will remove the image.
Rich text	Pasting works as expected, but if your content includes multiple paragraphs, it may span multiple cells. The rich text editor opens in a pop out window. See Adding rich text content.
Delimited content	You can paste data containing delimiters such as tabs or semicolons. If the delimiter is a Return (line break), any content after it will be pasted into the next cell.

Reordering and removing rows

To reorder and remove rows, hover near the row number and click the "Row actions" menu.

Reorder rows with drag and drop

Click the leftmost cell (the number column) to select it, then drag the row to its new position.

See also Limitations for drag and drop.

Including validation in a matrix

To help ensure accurate data entry in a matrix, ask your developers to configure it with validation rules that reduce errors in your final content.

For example:

• Required fields – Ensures certain cells must be filled before content can be saved

• Minimum and maximum rows – Controls how many rows can or must be added

• Text patterns – Validates entries such as product codes or SKUs using defined formats

• Character limits – Prevents overly long text entries that may affect layout or delivery

Tips for using the matrix

• To overwrite a row - Click the starting cell in that row before pasting. Note, make sure the data you are pasting in has the same number of columns as the row into which you are pasting.

• Paste into an empty matrix - Paste content into an empty matrix, without preselecting any of its cells. Learn how in Adding size chart content.

  Note, when using this method, the number of columns you paste must exactly match the matrix - any additional, required rows will be automatically created.

Limitations

The following limitations apply when using the matrix:

• Pasting content into a non-rich text field - Each return (line break) within the content will place the content that follows it into a new row.
• Pasting larger volumes of data - Pasting a large amount of content (for example, hundreds of rows) into a matrix in a single operation may cause your browser to become unresponsive.
• Moving rows beyond what's visible on the screen - If a matrix contains more rows than can be displayed on your screen, you cannot drag a row beyond the visible area. To move it, either:
  • Use the Move up or Move down options in the Row actions menu.
  • While dragging a row, use your mouse scroll wheel to make the matrix scroll.
• Undoing paste operations - It’s not possible to undo a paste operation that affects multiple cells. We recommend saving your work regularly when updating matrix content.

Related pages

Matrix component reference

Matrix schema examples