Drupal Lite vs Google Sites
If you're migrating your website as part of the accessibility remediation project, this guide highlights the key differences between the Drupal Lite and Google Sites platforms.
Each platform has its own set of pros and cons. We've provided a straightforward comparison of their features and benefits to help you determine which option is the best fit for your website. If you have any questions or would like a consultation, please email [email protected].
Drupal Lite
Drupal Lite has many customizable features, including site footer, robust page layouts, content widgets, automated content listings (news feeds), and more.
Key Considerations for Drupal Lite
Pre-built content types
Content types, such as Biographies and News/Blogs, are available out-of-box. These page types are configured with templated fields and layouts so all of your pages look consistent.
Requires little to no prior web creation experience/skills
No need to know how to code! Editing your website is done in text boxes and form fields.
Pre-configured widgets
All of the widgets available in Drupal Lite are accessible and require no additional modifications. Simply enter your content! Includes widgets like custom site footer, accordions, callouts, and more.
Well-suited for smaller and simpler websites with robust content
Drupal Lite offers pared-down website management, where you get a ton of great tools to build beautiful pages, but none of the headaches of maintaining a code base.
What-you-see-is-what-you-get ("WYSIWYG") editing
The text editor allows you to format text and images, add widgets, and more with a live preview of what it will look like on the page.
Uses the accessible UMN-branded Folwell theme
The Folwell web theme is a University-wide design system that helps you create creative, consistent webpages. Its continually expanding set of widgets and styling tools makes your work as a web editor easier, more efficient, and more flexible.
Google Sites
Google Sites has simple drag-and-drop content editing and limited customization options. It also offers collaboration features and direct integration with Google Drive.
Key Considerations for Google Sites
Responsive Design
Template and layout designs automatically adjust for screen size, from mobile phones to large desktops.
Limited Design Options and Customizations
With limited ability to customize the look and feel of your site, you can focus more on adding and editing content without the hassle of tinkering with settings.
Drag-and-Drop Content Editing
Google Sites comes with pre-built content layouts. Using the editor, you can easily arrange content sections on each page.
Can be configured to achieve UMN branding compliance
Google Sites require some modifications to be UMN brand-compliant. This includes things like the UMN header, color scheme, and more. Using the provided UMN Theme in Google Sites will help you achieve brand compliance and accessibility standards.
Requires little to no prior web creation experience/skills
No need to know how to code! Editing your website is done in text boxes and form fields.
Typography
| Feature Name | Drupal Lite | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Heading Level 1 (Page Title) | Yes | Yes |
| Heading Levels 2, 3 | Yes | Yes |
| heading Levels 4, 5, 6 | Yes | No |
| Pull Quotes | Yes | No |
| Block Quotes | Yes | No |
| Bulleted Lists | Yes | Yes |
| Numbered Lists | Yes | Yes |
| Stylized list of links | Yes | No |
| FontAwesome Icons | Yes | No |
| Buttons | Yes | Yes, but not accessible |
Widgets and Components
| Feature Name | Drupal Lite | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Accordions (collapsible groups) | Yes | Yes, but not accessible |
| Buttons | Yes | Yes, but not accessible |
| Button Groups | Yes | No |
| Callouts | Yes | No |
| Charts | Yes | Yes, but not accessible |
| Divider | No | Yes |
| Infographics (text-based, stylized) | Yes | No |
| Placeholder | No | Yes |
| Slideshows (image carousels) | Yes | Yes, accessible with modifications |
| Social Links | Yes | Yes |
| Spacer | No | Yes |
| Table of Contents | No | Yes |
| Tables | Yes | No |
| Tabs | Yes | No |
| Testimonials | Coming soon | No |
Content Types
| Feature Name | Drupal Lite | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| General Page | Yes | Yes |
| Biography Page (faculty/staff details) | Yes | No |
| News/Blog | Yes | No |
Content Features
| Feature Name | Drupal Lite | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Tags | Yes | No |
| Automated Content Lists (News feed, staff lists, and more) | Yes | No |
Embed Media
| Feature Name | Drupal Lite | Google Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Images | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Google Calendar | Yes | Yes |
| Google Docs | Yes | Yes, but not accessible |
| Google Forms | Yes | Yes |
| Google Maps | Yes | Yes, accessible with modifications |
| Google Sheets | Yes | Yes |
| Google Slides | Yes | Yes |