# Basic elements

Basic elements are the foundation of every blog post. They are **free for all users** on every plan (Free, Basic, Pro, and Advanced) - no upgrade required. These 10 elements cover the most common content needs: text, headings, images, videos, lists, tables, and layout spacing. Whether you are writing your first post or your hundredth, these are the building blocks you will use in every article.

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***

### Heading <a href="#heading" id="heading"></a>

Add headings to structure your blog post into clear sections. Supports heading levels H2 through H6.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FhYUP8RaqVYGlF5u7QPWV%2Fheading.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5bc917d4-194a-47ee-b65e-9baf4d47eb87" alt=""><figcaption><p><br></p></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Heading element or type `/heading`
2. Type your heading texee
3. Select the heading level (H2-H6) from the toolbar

Formatting options: Bold, Italic, Underline

| Do                                 | Don't                             |
| ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Use H2 for main sections           | Skip levels (H2 -> H4)            |
| Use H3 for subsections under H2    | Use H1 (reserved for page title)  |
| Include keywords naturally         | Stuff keywords into every heading |
| Keep headings concise (5-10 words) | Write full sentences as headings  |

> **SEO Tip:** Your most important keywords should appear in H2 headings. Google gives more weight to higher-level headings. The Table of Contents element automatically generates navigation from your headings.

***

### Paragraph <a href="#paragraph" id="paragraph"></a>

The standard text block for writing content. Every blog post is built primarily from paragraph elements.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FB5HOaVh1r3iUENKqik0o%2Ftext.png?alt=media&#x26;token=65df2be7-e2b5-4aec-ba80-bb006fda9db7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Paragraph element or simply start typing in the editor
2. Write your content
3. Format text using the toolbar: Bold, Italic, Underline, Hyperlinks

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FjRakaWszRWTp64gs1tzt%2Fstyle%20texts.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e135f96d-3854-41aa-95c9-7fe968afd626" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Best practices:**

* Keep paragraphs **3-5 sentences** - walls of text scare readers away
* Use **short sentences** for mobile readability (60% of blog traffic is mobile)
* Include **internal links** to product pages naturally within your content
* Front-load important information - readers scan, they don't read every word

***

### List <a href="#list" id="list"></a>

Create ordered (numbered) or unordered (bulleted) lists to organize information in an easy-to-scan format.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FFFRpnn3JRA32Vk7kLH95%2Flist.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b24751aa-4c06-4186-a2ba-a198bad28c77" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a List element or type `/list`
2. Choose **Bulleted** (unordered) or **Numbered** (ordered)
3. Type each item, press Enter for the next

| Type     | Best for                                 |
| -------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| Bulleted | Features, benefits, tips, ingredients    |
| Numbered | Steps, rankings, instructions, tutorials |

**Best practices:**

* Use lists for **3+ items**
* Keep items **parallel** in structure (all start with verbs, or all are nouns)
* Google frequently pulls list content into **featured snippets** (position zero)

***

### Table <a href="#table" id="table"></a>

Insert data tables with customizable rows and columns. Add or remove rows/columns above, below, left, or right of any selected cell.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FDEeFWnraOfM6OfCg9aCE%2Ftable.png?alt=media&#x26;token=80e96ff8-222a-4464-b9cc-88cefe816160" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FLxGCkm8XDRNiW6yTb4cf%2Fedit%20table.png?alt=media&#x26;token=93141a87-fc04-4148-951f-b02f61fdfbc6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FHWO4aonIrQtLHuOP0076%2Fedit%20table%202.png?alt=media&#x26;token=407990a1-fde6-4d2b-8899-22a76b046c64" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Table element or type `/table`
2. Set the number of rows and columns
3. Click any cell to type content
4. Use the toolbar to add/remove rows and columns

**Use case examples:**

| Use case           | Example                              |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------ |
| Size chart         | XS/S/M/L/XL with measurements        |
| Product comparison | Feature vs feature across 3 products |
| Pricing table      | Plan features side by side           |
| Shipping rates     | Region x delivery speed x cost       |

**Best practices:**

* Keep tables **under 6 columns** for mobile readability
* Use the **first row as headers**
* Google can extract table data for **featured snippets**, especially for comparison queries

***

### Divider <a href="#divider" id="divider"></a>

A horizontal line that visually separates sections of your blog post. The divider's appearance adapts to your Shopify theme styling.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FG6atMi9Fw1r8d7V4SnAL%2Fdivider.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5330fccf-365c-4a76-bce1-6063c666cd9e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Divider element or type `/divider`
2. The divider appears automatically - no configuration needed

**Best practices:**

* Use dividers **sparingly** - too many makes the post look fragmented
* Pair with headings for major sections; use dividers alone for minor breaks
* Works well before product recommendation sections or CTA banners

***

### Quote <a href="#quote" id="quote"></a>

Add a styled blockquote to highlight important text, cite a source, or feature a customer testimonial.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FqITsMxsurKB3Rlc7pFAU%2Felement%20quote.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0f4115a7-2942-4810-a8f6-db8a601dcbbc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Quote element or type `/quote`
2. Type the quote text
3. (Optional) Add author name and title
4. Customize styling via the settings panel

**Customization options:**

* Layout & alignment (left, center, right)
* Background color, text color, quote symbol color
* Author name and title/role fields

**Use case examples:**

| Scenario             | Example                                                              |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Customer testimonial | "This serum changed my skin in 2 weeks" - Sarah M., verified buyer   |
| Expert opinion       | "Organic cotton is the future of sustainable fashion" - Dr. Jane Lee |
| Data highlight       | "73% of consumers prefer brands with sustainable packaging"          |

**Best practices:**

* Always **attribute** quotes to a real person or source
* Limit to **1-2 quotes per post** to maintain impact

***

### Image <a href="#image" id="image"></a>

Add images to your blog post. Upload from your computer, select from the media library, or paste an image URL. Images are stored in your Shopify Files section.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FyzKGbFuKZyAwFYobEqZC%2Fimage.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=c44b4476-782c-431e-bb8b-1f7ada87a877" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add an Image element or type `/image`
2. Choose your source: Upload, Media Library, or URL
3. Configure image settings

**Configuration options:**

* **Alt text** - Describe the image for SEO and accessibility
* **Aspect ratio** - Control image proportions
* **Alignment** - Left, center, right
* **Caption** - Add descriptive text below the image
* **Image link** - Make the image clickable (link to product, collection, etc.)

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2F1RdY4WiNPxWia3QrcIF4%2Felementimage.jpg?alt=media&#x26;token=b8ad5d77-fc42-48a3-98b7-9f3d1e04c444" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Best practices:**

* **Always add alt text** - Google uses it for image search ranking, and it's essential for accessibility
* Write alt text that describes the content: "Woman wearing red summer dress on beach" not "image1.jpg"
* Use **high-quality images** but keep file size under 500KB for page speed
* Add **image links** to product photos - turn every image into a sales opportunity

> **SEO Tip:** Include your target keyword naturally in alt text when relevant. "Organic cotton baby blanket in mint green" is better than "baby blanket".

***

### Video <a href="#video" id="video"></a>

Embed videos in your blog post. Upload from your device, select from the media library, or paste a YouTube/Vimeo URL.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FV59UeJzQdaMbeXkBqhdb%2Fembedded%20videos.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5d485ea2-d20d-4fe1-88d3-702c9b6c9f3b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Video element or type `/video`
2. Choose your source: Upload, Media Library, or URL (YouTube/Vimeo)
3. The video embeds with a player in your post

**Supported platforms:** YouTube, Vimeo

**Best practices:**

* **YouTube is preferred** for SEO - Google owns YouTube and gives its videos search priority
* Keep product demo videos **under 2 minutes**
* Add a **text summary** below the video for readers who prefer reading (and for SEO - Google can't index video content directly)
* Video increases average time on page by 88%

***

### Text & Text <a href="#text--text" id="text--text"></a>

A two-column layout with text on both sides. Each column is independently editable with full paragraph formatting.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2FNwaqegM8LPMbtapMcTyh%2Ftext%20and%20images.png?alt=media&#x26;token=55276ba4-b903-4fa8-a877-c8524644b337" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Text & Text element or type `/text & text`
2. Click on the left column to type content
3. Click on the right column to type content
4. Format each column independently

**Use case examples:**

| Left column        | Right column           |
| ------------------ | ---------------------- |
| Product benefits   | Product specifications |
| Customer problem   | Your solution          |
| Free plan features | Pro plan features      |

**Best practices:**

* Use for **genuinely parallel content** - don't force unrelated text into columns
* Keep column content **similar in length** for visual balance
* On **mobile devices**, columns stack vertically - make sure each column makes sense on its own

***

### Spacer <a href="#spacer" id="spacer"></a>

Add adjustable vertical spacing between elements. Control the height and background color with opacity.

<figure><img src="https://386309109-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAmPCDHs9RbAEkSoOXwBB%2Fuploads%2Fks5TLc8Njl0uBQSKGuw5%2FGroup%208.png?alt=media&#x26;token=a5da8a17-4829-4864-9b9c-3c98924113f3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**How to use:**

1. Add a Spacer element or type `/spacer`
2. Adjust the height using the settings
3. (Optional) Set a background color with opacity

**Configuration:**

* **Height** - Pixel value for vertical space
* **Background color** - Optional colored space
* **Opacity** - Control transparency of the background

**Best practices:**

* Use **20-40px** for minor gaps, **60-100px** for major section breaks
* Transparent spacers are most common - colored spacers work for visual emphasis
* Don't overuse - too much white space makes the post feel empty
* Consider **Spacer v2** (New Elements) for more height options


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