Use the same file in multiple places
There are two ways to include a file in a page: upload with the file button, or link to an existing file.
Uploading a file (even the same file) creates another copy. This is reflected in the file name. The first upload of a file would match the original file name: student_handbook.pdf
. Uploading that file again in the same page or a different page creates another file with a unique name: student_handbook_0.pdf
. This may not suit your needs.
We can avoid this issue of multiple copies by linking to existing files. Here's how with a practical example.
My lab maintains a student handbook which I update each semester. It's an important document, so I want it to be available in a variety of places on my website. My file is on my computer and is named student_handbook.pdf.
Upload the file for the first time
Use the file icon to upload the handbook to the editor.
Get a link to the file
The handbook file is now saved on the website and presented as a link. We need the file path in this link to use the file in other pages. From the published page, right click on the link and choose "Copy Link" or "Copy Link Address". (The exact wording may vary based on your web browser.)
Here is an example of what it might look like: https://mylab.iastate.edu/files/inline/student_handbook.pdf
.
We only need the file path. (Don't forget the /
at the beginning.)
/files/inline/student_handbook.pdf
Add a link to the file on another page
Now edit another page where you want the students to be able to access the handbook file. Instead of uploading the file again, make a link to the existing file.
In the URL field, paste the path to the file. (Don't forget the /
at the beginning.)
There is now a link to the original file in a second page. When you save this page and then return to the edit screen of either page, the Files Used list shows that one file (student_handbook.pdf
) is used in two places.