On this page

↓ Before you start

↓ Link to an internal file using the content block Link to file or video

↓ Link to a VA Form page, not the specific file

↓ Link to a file on an external website

Before you start

In Drupal, not all pages let you link to a file or video. In some places, you can only link to a public-facing webpage. 

You will be able to link to a file or video when you see the button "Add content block." That button is only in some content types, like VAMC detail page.

All files must meet federal and VA accessibility standards.

Link to a file in Drupal using the content block Link to file or video

You can only link to a file or video using the "Link to file or video" content block. Content blocks are only in some content types, like "VAMC detail page."

1. Find an existing or create a new node that allows you to add a media content block, such as a "VAMC detail page."
2. Open the node in "Edit" mode.
3. Find the field where you can add a content block. For example, in "VAMC detail page," this will be in the "Main content" panel.
4. If you want to add a description of the file or instructions, first add a content block. Select the "Rich text" content block type so you can enter a description or instructions. Then add a content block for each file you want to upload.
5. Click "Add content block."
6. In the "Browse" window, scroll down to "Link to file or video" and click "Add."
7. In the new content block, click "Add media."
8. In the "Add or select media" window, click the "Document" tab.
9. To upload a file from your computer, click "Choose file "and select the file.
10. In the "Name" field, remove the default file name and enter a name that will help you find the file in the media library.
11. Click the "Section" dropdown menu and select your section.
12. Leave the "Reusable" box checked if you want the file to be viewable and usable by other editors.
13. Click "Save and insert."
14. In the "Link text" field, enter the text that Veterans will click to download the file. Follow VA content style guidelines for links.
15. Complete all required fields.
16. Click "Save as" and select a moderation state.
17. Enter a brief "Revision log message."
18. Click "Save."

View the 7 minute YouTube video (opens in a new tab)

Link to the VA Form page, not the specific file

If you are linking to a VA Form, don't link to the file's node in Drupal. Instead, link to the page's node in Drupal. The file may be updated over time, but the page should stay the same.

For example:

Link to an external file URL

Before you can add an external file to the Drupal library, you need the file's URL. Only link to files on external, public websites. Don't link to VA intranet pages or other pages that require VA network access.

First add the URL to the media library

1. From your homepage after logging in, click "Manage" in the top toolbar menu.
2. Hover over "Content," hover over "Media," hover over "Add media," and click "Document-External."
3. Enter the file "Name." Use a name that will help you find the file in the medial library later.
4. In the "External File URL" field, copy and paste the file's URL.
5. Enter the "Description."
6. Click the "Section" dropdown menu and select your section.
7. Enter a "Revision log message."
8. Click "Save."

Then add the link to the Link to file or video content block

1. Find an existing node or create a new node that allows you to add a media content block, such as a "VAMC Detail Page" content type.
2. Open the node in "Edit" mode.
3. Find the field where you can add a content block. For example, in "VAMC Detail Page," this will be in the "Main Content" panel.
4. If you want to add a description of the file or instructions, first add a content block and select the "Rich Text" content block type so you can enter a description or instructions. Then add a content block for each file you want to upload.
5. Click "Add content block."
6. In the "Browse" window, scroll down to Link to file or video and click "Add."
7. In the new content block, click "Add media."
8. In the "Add or select media "window, click the "Document" tab.
9. To select an external file you previously uploaded to the Drupal library, enter the name of your file in the "Name" field.
10. Click the "Section" dropdown menu and select your section to further filter the results.
11. Click "Apply filters."
12. In the results, find the file you want and click the checkbox.
13. Click "Insert selected."
14. In the "Link text" field, enter the text that Veterans will click to go to the file. Follow VA content style guidelines for links.
15. Complete all required fields for the node.
16. Click "Save as" and select a moderation state.
17. Enter a brief "Revision log message."
18. Click "Save."