Wikia

Wookieepedia

Watchlist Random article Recent changes

Wookieepedia:Layout Guide

Talk122
103,481pages on
this wiki
Information icon

This page is considered an official policy on Wookieepedia.

It has wide acceptance among editors and is considered a standard that everyone should follow. Except for minor edits, please make use of the discussion page to propose changes to this policy.

Wookieepedia policies
Article policies
Attribution · Be bold · Deletion policy
Layout Guide · Layout Guide/Out-of-universe
Manual of Style · MOS: Proper use of the dash
Neutral point of view · Notability of fan projects
Naming policy · Protection policy · Sourcing
Spoilers · Three-revert rule · Trivia · Vandalism
User policies
Administrative autonomy · Blocking policy · Equality
No personal attacks · Privacy policy
Signature policy · Single-issue voters
Sock puppetry · User image policy · User page policy
Site policies
Canon · Civility · Consensus · Copyrights · Images
Interviews · Policy and consensus updates
Site feature policy · What Wookieepedia is not
Proposed policies
Bots · Reliable sources
Guidelines
Avoid instruction creep · Avoid self-references
Dispute resolution
Don't disrupt Wookieepedia to prove a point
Soft redirect · Wookify

This Layout Guide is an official guide as to how an in-universe article should be structured. Feel free to discuss the Layout Guide on the talk page.

Contents

Title tag

Example: 

{{Title|''{{PAGENAME}}''}}
  • Used to alter the appearance of the article's title at the top of a page.
  • Main uses include to italicize the name of a ship or a novel.
  • Do not use this to alter the actual title (ex: Only displaying "Title" instead of "Title (disambiguation)")

Eras tag

Example: 

{{Eras|imp|reb|new|njo|leg|former}}
  • This tag inserts symbols in the title bar of the article, to indicate in which era the subject of the article exists in.
  • Symbols may also indicate if the article was a featured article in the past.
  • For usage instructions, see Template:Eras.
  • Era tags are only included in "non-timeless" articles, such as characters, ships, etc., and are for known appearances only, not presumed eras of appearance.
→See Forum:CT Archive/Era tags

Otheruses or Youmay tags

Example: 

 {{Otheruses|Katarn}}

Another example: 

 {{Youmay|the type of [[warship]]|[[The Emperor's New Clothes]]' song "[[Star Destroyer (song)|Star Destroyer]]"}}

Spoiler tag

Example: 

 {{Majorspoiler}}
  • Spoiler tags on an article alerts a user to any major plot spoilers that come from new sources that are less than a month old
  • See Template:Majorspoiler

Maintenance templates

Example: 

 {{Citation}}

Header templates

Example: 

 {{Noncanon}}
  • These tags are used to indicate an article's level of canonicity, or if an article is a about a subject from a cancelled or future source.
  • See Category:Header templates.

Infobox

Example (for an article about a Jedi Character): 

{{Jedi_character_infobox
|imageBG=
|image=
|name=Halagad Ventor
|hideb=
|homeworld=[[Alderaan]]
|birth=
|death=
|hidep=
|species=[[Human]]
|gender=[[Sexes|Male]]
|height=1.90 meters
|mass=
|hair=Black
|eyes=Brown
|skin=
|cyber=
|hidec=
|era=*[[Rise of the Empire era]]
*[[Rebellion era]]
|affiliation=*[[Jedi Order]]
*[[Galactic Republic]]
|masters=[[Everen Ettene]]
|apprentices=}}
  • Used to present vital statistics of subject. Various infoboxes can be accessed by using the standard preloads just below the "Save page" button.
  • See Wookieepedia:Template messages/Infoboxes and Category:Infobox templates
  • All infobox material must be detailed in the article proper, with the following exceptions:
    • The out-of-universe "era" field
    • The "prev," "conc," and "next" fields of event infoboxes, which are not necessarily relevant to the article
→See Wookieepedia:Mofferences/November 11, 2012
→See Forum:CT Archive/Utilizing Atlas grid coordinates

Opening quote

Example: 

 {{Quote|I can't take it anymore. That ''tocking'' is driving me nuts.|Han Solo|Tempest}}
  • An opening quote is welcome for almost any type of article.
  • Quotes can be said by the article's subject, or said by someone else about the article's subject.
  • Do not use links within a quote, unless it is the only mention in the article of a certain subject.

Article body

Example (for an article about a Character): 

 '''Joe Bloggs''' was... (insert introductory sentence or paragraph)
 
==Biography==
===Early days===
 ...
 ...
 ...
 
===Clone Wars===
 ...
 
====Duel with the Dark Lord====
 ...
 
====Back from the dead====
 ...
  • headings and subheadings are usually not required for very small articles.

Images

Example: 

 [[File:Kylekatarn-pre-talay.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Kyle Katarn during the briefing on his Mission to Talay.]]
  • Images should be placed where they are most relevant and should not interrupt the flow or the aesthetics of the article.
  • Placing them immediately underneath a heading or subheading usually works quite well.
  • Images should typically alternate from the right-side to the left-side. If there is a long infobox at the start, multiple images can be left aligned until the infobox ends.

Quotes

Example: 

 {{Quote|…he's my brother.|Leia to Han on Endor referring to Luke|Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi}}
  • In addition to the introductory quote, further quotes may be used throughout an article.
  • Although quotes may be placed in the body of the article, a maximum of one quote is allowed only at the beginning of each section.
  • Quotes are included "as-is", with the original spelling and formatting found in the source of the quote. In the case of a typo or other error, [sic] may be included to indicate that the error is from the original source and not the article.

Non-canon sections

Example: 

 {{Noncanonstart}}
 ...
 ...
 {{Noncanonend}}
  • Articles are allowed to contain non-canon or Infinities information, provided that it is clearly labeled with the above tags.
  • See Category:Advisory templates

For ambiguous canon from Star Wars Tales use the following. 

{{Talesstart}}
...
{{Talesend}}

Spoiler sections

Example: 

{{Spoiler|upcoming media title}}
...
...
{{Endspoiler}}

Stub

Example (for a stub about a creature): 

 {{Creature-stub}}

Character articles

Character Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of character articles within Wookieepedia. Though there is some flexibility, the following sections are typical:
  1. Biography provides an account of the notable events in the character's life. The level of detail in this section is up to the individual author. However, a middle ground between succinct and lengthy is generally preferable. It is generally expected that this section will be divided into subsections on lengthy articles, though the appropriate sectioning of this is left to the author.
  2. Personality and traits describes personality traits evident in the source material and how these influence the character's behavior. Examples should be given where possible.
  3. Skills and abilities or Powers and abilities for Force-sensitive characters is intended to show any notable abilities possessed by the character. This section is particularly appropriate for Force-sensitive characters and can include any Force powers for which the character demonstrates an aptitude.
  4. Equipment can be used to give a brief description of any notable ships, weapons, or other equipment associated with the character.
Each of these sections may be further subdivided as appropriate.

Planet and moon articles

Planet Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of planet articles within the Wookieepedia. Ideally, they are organized into four main sections, with subsections and extra sections where appropriate:

  1. Description will include any information on the characteristics of the planet itself, such as its location, its geological trends, its climate and ecosystem, and native vegetation. Also, any non-sentient fauna is to be described here. The key is to give a general overview of the planet and its characteristics.
    • Note: when a planet has particularly notable flora and fauna, an individual section can be created for such.
  2. History will cover all notable points in the planet's history. Individual periods and major events can receive subsections.
  3. Inhabitants includes a description of the planet's native or resident sentient species (where applicable) and any other notable inhabitants.
    • Note: if the planetary government is notably unique or of particular import, an individual section on it may be added. Furthermore, if the economy of the planet plays a significant role, it can be given its own section. Planetary culture and religion, apart from species culture, may also play a large role, and could then receive a section of its own, as well.
  4. Locations is set aside for notable specific locations on the planet's surface or in orbit, such as cities, bases, geological formations, and orbital facilities.

Each of these four sections may be further subdivided as appropriate. Note: if anything in particular is of overwhelming significance concerning the planet, or a preponderance of information is available, a section of its own can be created.

Starship and vehicle class articles

Starship and Vehicle Class Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of ship and vehicle class articles within Wookieepedia. Ideally, they are organized into three main sections, with subsections and extra sections where appropriate:

  1. Characteristics includes any descriptive information about the class, as well as any statistical information provided.
  2. Role encompasses the duties the vessel or vehicle type was designed and/or used for. Strengths and weaknesses in application are laid out here, as well.
  3. History covers the known operational history of the class, arranged in chronological order. Ideally, all appearances of the type in canon are described here.

Each of these three sections may be further subdivided as appropriate. Note: if anything in particular is of overwhelming significance concerning the class, or a preponderance of information is available, a section of its own can be created.

Individual Starship and Vehicle Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of individual ship and vehicle articles within Wookieepedia. Ideally, they are organized into three main sections, with subsections and extra sections where appropriate:

  1. Description contains all the details of the design of the ship or vehicle.
  2. History chronicles the known history of the craft in chronological order. Ideally, all appearances of the type in canon are described here.
  3. Commanders and crew (or a similar title such as Owners and operators) provides brief summaries of any individuals of particular import that owned, commanded, or crewed the vessel or vehicle.

Each of these three sections may be further subdivided as appropriate. Note: if anything in particular is of overwhelming significance concerning the ship or vehicle, or a preponderance of information is available, a section of its own can be created.

Species articles

Sentient species articles

Sentient Species Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of species articles within Wookieepedia. Ideally, they are organized into four main sections:
  1. Biology and appearance deals with the physical characteristics of the species. This includes descriptions of both their physical, instinctual and mental abilities, with particular emphasis on unique factors.
  2. Society and culture deals with the sociological organization of the species, including such features as language, temperament, and family and societal structures.
  3. History deals with the major events in the history of the species. This includes such events as wars, discovery by the galactic community, and other important epochs.
  4. [Species] in the galaxy provides an overview of the species involvement in the galactic community with particular emphasis on species trends and notable individuals. Depending on the available information, this section in particular may be incorporated into the earlier sections.
Each of these four sections may be further subdivided as appropriate.

Non-sentient and semi-sentient species articles

Non-Sentient and Semi-Sentient Species Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of non-sentient and semi-sentient species articles within Wookieepedia. Ideally, they are organized into four main sections:
  1. Biology and appearance deals with the physical characteristics of the species. This includes descriptions of both their physical, instinctual and mental abilities, with particular emphasis on unique factors.
  2. Behavior (and intelligence) deals with the behavior and organization of the species, including such features as temperament along with societal, relational, reproductive and habitual characteristics. Any discussion on potential sentience or semi-sentience should be included in this section; Addition of "and intelligence" can be used in such articles to further explain the discussion.
  3. History deals with the major events in the history of the species. This includes such events as wars, discovery by the galactic community, and other important epochs.
  4. [Species] in the galaxy provides an overview of the species involvement in the galactic community with particular emphasis on species trends and appearances. Depending on the available information, this section in particular may be incorporated into the earlier sections.
Each of these four sections may be further subdivided as appropriate.

Battle, mission, and duel articles

Battle Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of battle and event articles within Wookieepedia. Though there is some flexibility, the following sections are typical:
  1. Prelude gives a brief description of the events leading up to the event as information is available. The level of detail in this section is up to the author, but should not take away from the article's subject of the actual event.
  2. The battle describes the event from all related source material. All information should be written from a neutral perspective, with none of the narrative focusing exclusively on the perspective of one side of the conflict. Alternatively, this section can be renamed to more appropriately reflect on the article's name.
  3. Aftermath can be used for any information related to the event that took place after its conclusion as it is available. As with the Prelude, however, the level of detail should not take away from the article's subject, which is the event itself.
Each of these sections may be further subdivided as appropriate. Note: if something else of significance concerning the event is relevant, a section of its own can be created.

Force power articles

Force power Articles

There are some guidelines for the organization of Force power articles within Wookieepedia. Though there is some flexibility, the following sections are typical:
  1. Description gives a detailed description on what the power is and does.
  2. Applications describes how and why the power is used.
  3. Users details the specific instances of the power's use, and by whom.
Each of these sections may be further subdivided as appropriate. Note: if something else of significance concerning the Force power is relevant, a section of its own can be created.

Behind the scenes (notice the capitalization)

  • portrayal information (for characters appearing in films, computer games, cartoons, radio dramatizations)
  • origin of subject - subject's first appearance, who was responsible for creating and/or naming the subject, how the subject came about, was it based on anything, who did the concept art, etc.
  • retcon information - how (if) subject's story has been changed in a retcon
  • any related Infinities or non-canon information
  • contradictions - point out if one official source contradicts another, and which (if any) is accepted as canon
  • authorial intent - information that relevant authors intended to convey in their work, without necessarily being spelled out in the source in question
  • filming - if it has a real world location, point out where it is and when it was filmed

Appearances

Sources

→See Forum:CT Archive/Databank position on Sources lists
→Note: Edition follows a comma and is not italicized. See Forum:CT Archive/How to name publication edition, redux
  • {{SWArchive}} should be used for all StarWars.com articles published prior to the September 2011 revamp. For pages either transferred to the official site's new layout or published after the revamp, {{SW}} should be used.

Succession box

Succession boxes serve two purposes: to list the time period for which an individual held a certain post/title, and to provide links to the next known predecessor and/or successor. Due to the tendency of contributors to insert speculation and fanon into succession boxes, part of the Wookieepedia community dislikes them. To avoid issues and disputes, it is best to follow these "do nots":

  • Do not insert succession boxes for titles that were unique to a certain individual and, therefore, result in no predecessors or successors. The same applies if the individual is the only known holder of the title.
  • Do not insert succession boxes if the individual's position in the succession sequence is unclear. This applies, for instance, for such out-of-chronology Dark Lords of the Sith as Tulak Hord and Darth Andeddu.
  • Do not insert succession boxes for something that is not a proper title. For example, a succession box for Palpatine where the title is "Secret de facto leader of the Separatists" (this is a real precedent on Wookieepedia) is most likely to be deleted.

All succession boxes should be contained within two templates: {{Start box}} and {{End box}}. This ensures that there are no line breaks within succession boxes. Within the {{Succession box}}, there are six possible fields to insert information, all of which must be sourced:

  • title: This field is for the title of the succession box. It is required.
  • years: This field is for the years the position was held or the events occurred. Please limit this to one tenure, and repeat succession boxes as necessary. This field is also required.
  • before: This field is for the nearest known predecessor. See below for conditions.
  • before-years: This field is for the years of the nearest known predecessor.
  • after: This field is for the nearest known successor. See below for conditions.
  • after-years: This field is for the years of the nearest known successor.

If the individual was the first (last) person to bear a certain title, the "before" input ("after" input) should list "None" without any punctuation. If there are no known predecessors/successors, the corresponding fields should be left blank. However, if there are some known predecessors/successors, the section should read "Eventually <name of the chronologically nearest individual>". (Example: Darth Revan's immediate predecessor as Dark Lord of the Sith is unknown; therefore, the succession box reads "Eventually Exar Kun".)

In contrast, "Unknown" should not be used in the dates of succession boxes. (Example: "Unknown–0 ABY" should only be "—0 ABY.") See Wookieepedia:Manual of Style/Proper use of the dash for more information.

Notes and references

       Relevant policy: Wookieepedia:Sourcing
  • List of sources for information in the "Behind the scenes" section.
  • Items are added to the list by placing <ref>Source goes here</ref> after the information tidbit in question.
  • To get the references to show up in this section, use the {{Reflist}} template.
  • References will only use periods at the end of the citation if the citation is a complete sentence. References that are not complete sentences will not use periods.
→ See Wookieepedia:Mofferences/February 12, 2012
  • As a general rule, Wookieepedia recommends reserving scroll boxes for reference lists to articles that employ no less than forty to fifty individual references. However, this is by no means a hard figure, and final decisions for the use of scroll boxes should be determined by what best suits each individual article.
    • The standard scroll box size may be enlarged for certain articles, but this should be done only in rare cases for presentation purposes. Requests to do so should be made on the article's talk page or article review pages.
→ See Wookieepedia:Mofferences/November 11, 2012

See also

  • Links to related topics not already linked in article
  • Usually links to family pages and the {{Imagecat}} template which don't really belong in the main article

External links

  • It is called "External links" even if there is currently only one link
  • Links to other unofficial sources, e.g. Star Wars: Blogs, fan sites, Wikipedia articles
→See Forum:CT Archive/Sources and social media
  • NO Databank or Encyclopedia entries here—the Databank and Encyclopedia are official sources and should be treated that way

Interwiki links

  • Links to Star Wars wikis in other languages
  • Interwiki links should be listed in the {{Interlang}} template placed before an article's categories. The "xxFA=" operator will indicate that an article has reached "featured" or equivalent status on its host wiki. 
{{Interlang
|da=Anakin
|de=Anakin
|es=Anakin
|fi=Anakin (täsmennyssivu)
|deFA=1
|esFA=1
}}

Category

  • Every article must have all applicable categories
→See Forum:CT Archive/Layout Guide change for categories
  • Categories should be listed in alphabetical order
  • An update to MediaWiki allows use of DEFAULTSORT to eliminate unnecessary coding while still achieving the desired result of categorizing articles by last name (ie, one need not use [[Category:Jedi Masters|Windu, Mace]]; use the below method) 
{{DEFAULTSORT:Windu, Mace}}
[[Category:Jedi Masters]]
[[Category:Males]]
  • Articles beginning with an article ("a," "an," or "the") should be categorized by the first significant word; for example, [[Category:Reference books|New Essential Guide to Vehicles and Vessels, The]].
  • Articles placed in categories should not also be placed in that category's master category; for example, articles in Category:Aquatic sentient species should not also be placed in Category:Sentient species.


In other languages
Retrieved from "http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Wookieepedia:Layout_Guide?oldid=4428670"
Advertisement | Your ad here

Photos

Add an Image
54,548images on this wiki
See all photos >

Recent Wiki Activity

See more >

Around Wikia's network

Random Wiki