Simple Content

This module exposes a simple entity that is not translatable or revisionable. This will stay like this always, so do not open a feature request for revisions or translations. You can create multiple simple content types (bundles).

Every simple content type can be embedded in a block. A block is also available to render an existing simple content entity using autocomplete to select.

Think of it as a light version of Fieldable Panels Panes for Drupal 8.

Why not use custom block content? Custom block content is not designed to be rendered outside the block system, so this is an alternative, and also solves the scalability problem that custom blocks have.

Use cases:

• embed anywhere in the site via blocks
• layout builder content
• render with entity reference
• render with views
• your case

Want to alter the form when presented in the layout builder context ?

/**
 * Implements hook_form_FORM_ID_alter().
 */
function example_form_layout_builder_add_block_alter(&$form, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
  _example_form_layout_builder_block_alter($form, $form_state);
}

/**
 * Implements hook_form_FORM_ID_alter().
 */
function example_form_layout_builder_update_block_alter(&$form, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
  _example_form_layout_builder_block_alter($form, $form_state);
}

/**
 * Alters the simple content form in layout context.
 * 
 * @param $form
 * @param \Drupal\Core\Form\FormStateInterface $form_state
 */
function _example_form_layout_builder_block_alter(&$form, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
  if (isset($form['settings']['simple_content_form'])) {
    $form['settings']['admin_label']['#access'] = FALSE;
    $form['settings']['simple_content_form']['#process'][] = 'example_simple_content_layout_process_form';
  }
}

/**
 * Process function for simple content. Runs when the entity form is presented
 * in the layout builder context.
 *
 * @param array $element
 * @param \Drupal\Core\Form\FormStateInterface $form_state
 *
 * @return array
 */
function example_simple_content_layout_process_form(array $element, FormStateInterface $form_state) {
  $element['user_id']['#access'] = FALSE;
  $element['status']['#access'] = FALSE;
  return $element;
}

Inspired by https://www.drupal.org/project/drupal/issues/2957425 (Explore the concept of Custom Block re-usability) We needed something right now without having to wait for the core implementation.

Related Drupal Core issues:

• https://www.drupal.org/project/drupal/issues/2859197 : Document that block_content entities are not designed to be displayed outside of blocks
• https://www.drupal.org/project/drupal/issues/2704331 : Ability to display block_content entities independently, also outside of Blocks
• https://www.drupal.org/project/drupal/issues/2940755 : block_content block derivatives do not scale to thousands of block_content entities