Redirect URLs

Create, modify, and delete redirects to ensure users are directed to the appropriate content and prevent redirect loops as your site evolves.

Definition

A redirect URL allows you to forward one URL path to another destination, either within your Columbia Sites domain or to an external website. This ensures that users accessing outdated or alternative URLs are seamlessly directed to the correct content.

Specifications & Usage

When to Use:

  • When site navigation changes and existing URLs need to point to new locations.

  • To create memorable, campaign-specific URLs that redirect to detailed pages.

  • When splitting content into a new site and needing to redirect old URLs to the new domain.

Specifications:

  • Redirects can only be set for URLs originating from your site.

  • The source URL (the one being redirected) must not correspond to an existing page on your site.

  • For internal redirects, use the system's autocomplete feature to select the destination page.

  • For external redirects, enter the full URL of the destination site.

  • When redirecting to a document, use the document's machine name (e.g., /node/123) as the destination path.

Creating a Redirect

Navigate to Shortcuts > Redirects in the admin toolbar.

Click the + Add redirect button.

+ Add redirect button

In the Path field, enter the source URL path you want to redirect (e.g., /old-page).

In the To field:

  • For internal pages, start typing the page title and select the correct page from the suggestions.

  • For external URLs, enter the full URL (e.g., https://externaldomain.com/new-page).

  • For documents, enter the machine name (e.g., /node/123).

enter information in the Path and To fields

  • Click Save to create the redirect.

Important Notes:

  • Ensure that the source path does not correspond to an existing page on your site. If it does, delete the page before setting the redirect.

  • Avoid manually typing destination paths for internal pages; use the autocomplete feature to prevent errors.

Redirecting a Page to Another Website

To redirect an existing page on your site to an external website:

Follow all the steps above

In the To field, enter the full external URL (e.g., https://newsite.com/new-page).

Click Save to create the redirect.