Linking to asset files on a page

Depending on where an asset is hosted and how you wish to add them to your pages there are a few ways to link to the asset within Roam.  

First let's determine whether your asset, usually a PDF file is hosted within the Roam platform, under your Assets tab or is it hosted on a different site?  

Scenario 1: Linking to an asset hosted within the Roam platform:

Scenario 2: Linking to an asset hosted on a different domain/external to Roam:

Linking to an asset hosted within the Roam platform:

Next, what page builder component are you using to link to the asset file? Pick one of the options below.

Option 1. Linking to an asset using the Images, Products or Pages component

Within the Images, products or pages page builder components there is the option to link directly to an asset hosted within your Roam platform. 

To do this: 

1. Change the dropdown in the link field to Asset 
2. Click + Select Asset and pick your file. Generally, this would be a PDF download. 
3. Choose your call to action text in the free text field. In the below example we have put Click here to download. 

4. It's common that a user will expect that a download will open in a new window tab. If you'd like your asset to do this then check the open link in new window checkbox next to the text field. 

5. Save your page.
 

Option 2. Linking to an asset within a text component.

To link to an asset within the text page builder component follow the below steps. 

1. Highlight the section of text you want to link.
2. Click on the link icon circled in the below screenshot and a window will open.


3. Next, search for your asset in the pop-up window, and press select to link your text to your file. 

4. It's common that a user will expect that a download will open in a new window tab. If you'd like your asset to do this then check the open link in new window checkbox next to the text field. 

5. Don't forget to save your entry!  

Linking to an asset hosted on a different domain/external to Roam:

If you have an asset hosted on a different domain, outside of the Roam platform you can link to this file within the text, pages, products or images page builder components. Depending on which page builder component you're using pick one of the below. 

Option 1. Linking using a pages, products or images component: 

1. In the Link field change the dropdown to URL and paste your URL in the field. 

2. Add your call to action text such as Click to download (if applicable). 

3. Usually, a user will expect that a download will open in a new window tab. It's also a good idea to link to an external asset in a new tab so that you don't lose your visitor from your site. If you'd like your asset to do this then check the open link in new window checkbox next to the text field. 
4. Save your entry 

Option 2. Linking using text page builder component

To link to an asset within the text page builder component follow the below steps. 

1. Highlight the section of text you want to link.
2. Click on the link icon shown in the below screenshot and scroll down to the Insert Link tab. 



3. Next, a window will open within the platform asking for the URL. Paste your URL

4. It's common that a user will expect that a download will open in a new window tab. It's also a good idea to link to an external asset in a new tab so that you don't lose your visitor from your site. If you'd like your asset to do this then check the open link in new window checkbox next to the text field. 

5. Save your link. 

 

Option 3. Linking an image within text component

If you are adding an image inside the text component and would like to link it either internal or external URL, follow the steps below:
1. Upload your image to the text component

2. Click on the image to highlight it (you will see a blue frame around the image)

3. Click on the link icon and select desired option:

• For internal linking you can use linking to entry, category or asset option
• For external linking you will need to use "Insert Link" option. Here, you will also have an option to open a link in a new window (recommended if linking externally)