> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.themeupstudio.com/crimson/posts/post-layouts.md). # Post Layouts Crimson includes **five post layouts (templates)** that control two key reading aids: * **TOC (Table of Contents):** a generated list of headings that helps readers navigate long articles. * **Sidebar:** an additional column area for sticky sidebar subscribe form. You can set a **site-wide default post layout**, and you can also **override the layout per post** from the Ghost editor. ### How post layout selection works #### A) Site-wide default (recommended) Set your default once, so every new post uses the same layout unless you override it. Go to: **Settings → Design → Post** *group* **→ Default post template**

Options: * **With Normal TOC and Sidebar** * **With Sticky TOC and No Sidebar** * **With Normal TOC and No Sidebar** * **With Sticky Sidebar and No TOC** * **With No TOC and No Sidebar** **How it applies** * This default applies to **all posts** unless a post explicitly selects a different template. ✅ Best practice Pick the layout you use most often as your default, then override only special cases: * very long guides → sticky TOC * short announcements → no TOC / no sidebar * conversion-focused posts → sticky sidebar *** #### B) Per-post override (post editor) If you want a specific post to use a different layout: 1. Open the post in Ghost Admin (editor) 2. Open **Post settings** (⚙️ in the right sidebar) 3. Find **Post Template** 4. Select the desired template/layout

Override Post Template for a single post

**Override rules** * If a post template is selected → it **overrides** the global `default_post_template` * If no post template is selected → the post **inherits** the global default ✅ Best practice Use overrides only when needed, so your site stays consistent. *** ### What “Normal” vs “Sticky” means #### Normal TOC * TOC is shown in a regular (non-sticky) position * It scrolls away with the page like normal content #### Sticky TOC * TOC stays visible while scrolling (pinned behavior) * Best for long-form articles with many headings #### Normal Sidebar * Sidebar appears as a standard column * It scrolls with the page #### Sticky Sidebar * Sidebar stays visible while scrolling (pinned behavior) * Best when you want key navigation/CTA elements accessible continuously *** ### The five layouts (what each one is for) #### 1) With Normal TOC and Sidebar

**Includes** * TOC: ✅ Yes (normal) * Sidebar: ✅ Yes (sticky) **Best for** * Standard articles where you want both navigation and extra context * Medium-to-long posts with multiple headings **Reader experience** * TOC supports scanning * Sidebar adds structure without “always visible” sticky behavior *** #### 2) With Sticky TOC and No Sidebar

**Includes** * TOC: ✅ Yes (sticky) * Sidebar: ❌ No **Best for** * Long guides, documentation-style posts, tutorials, pillar pages * Posts with many sections (H2/H3) **Reader experience** * Maximum focus on content * Persistent navigation stays available without extra sidebar clutter *** #### 3) With Normal TOC and No Sidebar

**Includes** * TOC: ✅ Yes (normal) * Sidebar: ❌ No **Best for** * Posts that benefit from a TOC but need a cleaner, minimal layout * Editorials, interviews, thought pieces with a few structured sections **Reader experience** * TOC is available, but doesn’t stay pinned * More horizontal space for content (especially noticeable on desktop) *** #### 4) With Sticky Sidebar and No TOC

**Includes** * TOC: ❌ No * Sidebar: ✅ Yes (sticky) **Best for** * Posts where TOC isn’t necessary (short/medium posts) * But you still want persistent secondary elements, such as: * newsletter prompts * related links * sponsorship/CTA content * author/metadata emphasis (theme-dependent) **Reader experience** * Reading stays uninterrupted (no TOC) * Sidebar remains accessible throughout scrolling *** #### 5) With No TOC and No Sidebar

**Includes** * TOC: ❌ No * Sidebar: ❌ No **Best for** * Short announcements, quick updates, photo-first posts, personal notes * Landing-page-like posts where distractions should be minimized **Reader experience** * Cleanest, most focused layout * Ideal when headings are few or when you don’t want extra UI around the post *** ### TOC generation rules (what counts as a TOC item) When TOC is enabled, it is generated from headings in the post body: * Typically includes: **H2, H3** headings * If your post has **no headings**, the TOC may: * appear empty, or * be hidden (theme-dependent behavior) ✅ Best practice for reliable TOC * Use **H2** for main sections * Use **H3** for subsections * Avoid using headings only for styling—use them to represent real structure *** ### What stays the same across all templates No matter which layout you choose, posts still include the core post modules (as configured in your site/theme), such as: * Main post content * Comments section *(if enabled in Ghost settings)* * “Read more” / related posts section *(theme feature)* * A subscribe block at the end *(only when Ghost Members is enabled)* So the template choice primarily changes:\ ✅ TOC behavior\ ✅ Sidebar behavior\ —not whether the post has core content blocks. *** ### Troubleshooting

My TOC doesn’t show anything

Most common cause: the post has **no headings**. Fix: * Add H2/H3 headings, or * Switch to a **No TOC** template if your post doesn’t need structure.

Sticky feels odd on mobile

Sticky elements adapt on small screens. If it feels cluttered, use: * **With Normal TOC and No Sidebar**, or * **With No TOC and No Sidebar**

I changed the default but one post didn’t update

That post likely has a **template override** set. Fix: 1. Open the post 2. Post settings (⚙️ right sidebar) 3. Clear or reset the **Post Template** selection to **Default** 4. Update the post Then it will inherit `default_post_template`.