# Building Blocktypes

> Create and manage Concrete CMS block types. Use this skill when the user asks to create or modify custom block types. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/building-blocktypes` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/building-blocktypes`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/building-blocktypes/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/building-blocktypes

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# Building Block Types

Block types are the fundamental units of content in Concrete CMS. They allow users to add different types of content (text, images, forms, etc.) to pages.

## Basic Workflow for Block Type Development

1.  **Define the Block Type Directory**:
    - If in a package: `packages/your_package/blocks/block_handle/`
    - If in application: `application/blocks/block_handle/`
2.  **Create the Controller**:
    - Create `controller.php` in the block directory.
3.  **Create the View**:
    - Create `view.php` for the public output.
4.  **Create Add/Edit Forms**:
    - Create `add.php` and `edit.php` for the dashboard interface.
5.  **Define Database Schema**:
    - Create `db.xml` (Doctrine XML format) to define the block's data table.
    - Refer to the `working-with-database` skill for the XML format.
6.  **Register the Block Type**:
    - Install via Dashboard or programmatically in a package `install()` method.

## Reference Documentation

- [Form Widgets (Page/File Selector, Combo Box)](references/form_widgets.md)
- [Custom Pagination with Pagerfanta](references/pagination.md)

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<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->