Implement a 'Settings' or 'Data' flag for files
- Dominant language
- JavaScript
- Stars
- 19.4k
- Forks
- 3.1k
- Avg merge
- 1d 14h
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 9
Description
There has been quite a bit of in person and virtual conversation about this; documenting here for decision making.
### The idea:
Introduce an optional flag, such as `type: data` or `settings: true`, that allows developers of a site to list a collection of files (json/yml/toml?) as a settings/data type rather than a traditional content type. This is applicable for settings data that is referenced elsewhere but not directly published, such as 'Authors', and 'Site Settings' as demonstrated in the official CMS demo: https://cms-demo.netlify.com/#/collections/settings
This is important to separate, as users expect a different experience for this different content. Traditional, published content expects WYSIWYG writing environment, with a content preview. Data/settings often would not have a WYSIWYG writing environment, and does not need a content preview. You additionally would not apply the editorial workflow to data/settings.
This additionally paves the way for user roles and a smarter interface aware that authors want to write content not cluttered with data/settings files. You could optionally assign access to
'Content' and not to 'Settings' for authors.

/cc @erquhart @verythorough @biilmann
Contributor guide
Research direction
The issue names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by reviewing the proposed data/settings distinction and the linked CMS demo, then define the flag's configuration, editor, preview, workflow, and role-access behavior before implementation.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Tech stack
- javascript, react
- Domain
- content, frontend
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 25/100