---
title: "Add content to a component"
slug: "add-content-to-a-component"
abstract: "Assign, create, or edit content for a specific component."
---

# Add content to a component

> [!note]
> This topic explains how to add content to components previously built with Content Editor. For component built with the Component builder, you can learn [here](https://doc.sitecore.com/sai/en/users/sitecoreai/build-pages/adding-content-to-a-page/manage-dynamic-content.html "Manage dynamic content") how to style and configure your component.

In the page builder, when a component is added to the page, you can edit the component locally on the page, and changes will be saved on the page only. Alternatively, you can choose to _assign_ a content item to a component, or you can create a new content item to use as the _data source_ for the component. In these cases, changes you make to the content are saved to the content item, and since the content item can be shared between different pages, the changes will also be visible on the pages reusing the same content item.

## Assign an existing content item to a component

When you add a component to a page, you can assign an existing content item to the component.

You can also use this procedure to change the content item already assigned to a component.

When you add a component to a page, this change is saved to the page layout. The newly added component uses the page item as a data source, so if you edit the content in the newly added component, those changes will be saved in the page item.

To assign a content item to a component:

1. On the **Editor** tab, open the relevant page. In the editor view, click the component that you want to assign a content item to.
2. In the right-hand pane, click **Content**, then **Select item**.
3. In the **Assign content item** dialog, the content tree only show selectable items, or folders containing selectable items.

   To search for a specific content item, enter at least one character in the **Search** field. Clearing the Search field deselects all items and restores the original tree.

4. Select the relevant content item and click **Assign**. Alternatively, click **Duplicate and assign** to create a new numbered version of the item and assign it to the component.

You can learn more about adding and editing various type of content in the [Configuring components](https://doc.sitecore.com/sai/en/users/sitecoreai/build-pages/adding-components-to-a-page/configure-a-component/configure-a-component.html "Configure a component") section.

![Screenshot of the Assign content item dialog.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/sai/en/users/sitecoreai/images/content_assign.png)

> [!note]
> You cannot assign a content item to a non-editable component, or change the content item associated with a non-editable component.

## Create a new content item as data source for a component

You can create a new content item at the same time as you assign the item to a component. The item can be created from a template, or by duplicating an existing item.

To create a new content item as a data source for a component:

1. On the **Editor** tab, open the relevant page. In the editor view, click the component that you want to create a content item for.
2. In the right-hand pane, click **Content**,then **Select item**.
3. In the **Assign content item** dialog, in the content tree, select the parent item for the new content item and click **Create new** :mdiPlus:.
4. Select a template.

   ![Screenshot of the Assign content item dialog when creating a new content item.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/sai/en/users/sitecoreai/images/content_create_new.png)

5. Enter a name for the new content item.
6. Click **Assign**.

Now you can edit the new content item.

Alternatively, you can also create a new content item (but not a page item) by duplicating an existing one.

To duplicate an existing item:

1. On the **Editor** tab, open the relevant page. In the editor view, click the component that you want to duplicate a content item for.
2. In the right-hand pane, click **Content**, then **Select item**.
3. In the **Assign content item** dialog, in the content tree, select the content item and click **Duplicate** :mdiContentCopy:.
4. Enter a name for the duplicated content item.
5. Click **Assign**.

## Edit the content item for a component

Data for a component can be stored locally on the page or in a separate content item. If the component has a content item assigned as its data source, you can open the content item directly from the page in the Page builder Editor mode.

To edit the content item for a component:

1. On the **Editor** tab, open the page you want to edit.
2. On the canvas, select the component that you want to edit.
3. In the right-hand pane, click **Edit**.
4. Edit fields on the item.

   > [!note]
   > Changes affect other pages that use the content item.

5. To return to the page editor, on the ribbon, click **Go back**.