Blocks Placer

Allows for assignment of Bean blocks to a theme’s standard Drupal block regions, per page, with a user-friendly interface in the context of the node edit page. Features include:

• allows content admin to easily assign specific block(s) to a node directly from the add/edit node page
• provides a user-friendly UI. Content admins are able to drag-and-drop blocks directly into regions and filter long lists of available blocks
• restricts content admin from parts of the core block system while still allowing them to manage blocks. Restriction can be bypassed using permissions
• ability to hide regions directly from the node edit page
• ability to prevent specific permission level users from adding blocks to designated regions
• ability to insure important blocks appear at the top (menus, etc)
• ability to override global blocks right on the node edit page
• conveniently links to a sample of available block region definitions for content admins to review

Background
This module was created to allow easy, ad hoc assignment of blocks to template block regions on a per-page basis. This allows for even the most novice of users to create unique, personalized pages full of relevant content, without having to be constrained to the rigid designs of pre-selected blocks.

At the same time, it allows for administrative control in order to maintain the site’s design standards. Administrators can disable specific regions, and “sticky” blocks to the tops of their respective regions, making sure that important features such as menus and contact information don’t get pushed out of sight.

Requirements
jQuery UI Multiselect (jQuery plugin). (download)

Drupal 8
A Drupal 8 version of this module is being discussed. Drupal 8 is steering heavily towards a Layouts based approach which creates less of a need for this module.

Sponsors
Knectar - Advanced Drupal & Magento Applications