DotFlow accepts child content instead of limiting the marquee to a single text field. This makes it possible to mix hand-built items with content generated from Total CMS 3.

Use manual child items

Add a DotFlow child item for each segment in the track. A child can contain text, a link, an image, or a suitable combination. Keep each segment concise so it can be understood while moving.

  • Use short announcements rather than paragraphs.

  • Give links meaningful text instead of a repeated generic label.

  • Use images with clear shapes; very fine detail may be lost in the dot matrix.

  • Use the DotFlow separator and gap to keep neighboring items distinct.

Generate items with Total CMS 3

DotFlow can also contain a Total CMS 3 collection loop. Load the required collection, loop over its objects, and place the rendered title, image, or link markup inside the DotFlow content area. The product example uses a Collection Index, a loop, and a link container with HTML output.

Limit the collection to content that belongs in a moving banner. A large unfiltered collection produces a long, repetitive track and makes individual items harder to find.

Combine manual and dynamic content

Manual items are useful for a fixed introduction or callout; CMS items are useful for current posts and updates. Preview the complete order after the CMS loop has loaded and make sure the separator is still visible between generated records.

When a CMS item is empty

Check that the collection has published objects and that the fields referenced by the loop contain values. If an image is missing, verify the image rendering output separately before placing it inside DotFlow.

Related: Getting started with DotFlow and Troubleshooting DotFlow and improving accessibility.