User:Master Fredcerique/Layout Guide

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.

Title tag
Example:
 * 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:
 * 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:

Another example:
 * Generally used when it is possible that a user has found one article when they were actually looking for another of a similar or same name.
 * See Template messages/Redirects and Category:Disambiguation and redirection templates

Maintenance templates
Example:
 * A series of tags used when the article is in need of some sort of maintenance.
 * See Category:Maintenance templates

Header templates
Example:
 * 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.

Spoiler tag
Example:
 * 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

Infobox
Example (for an article about a Jedi Character):


 * Used to present vital statistics of subject. Various infoboxes can be accessed by using the standard preloads just below the "Save page" button.
 * See Template messages/Infoboxes and Category:Infobox templates

Opening quote
Example: "I can't take it anymore. That tocking is driving me nuts."

- Han Solo


 * 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)

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:
 * 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: "…he's my brother."

- Leia to Han on Endor referring to Luke


 * 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: ... ...
 * 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.

...

Spoiler sections
Example:

... ...


 * Articles can contain new spoiler information, provided that it is clearly marked with the above tags.
 * See Category:Advisory templates

Stub
Example (for a stub about a creature):
 * used at the bottom of the article body when the article is too vague or brief, AND when there is clearly more information that can be added
 * See Template messages/Stubs and Category:Stub templates

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: 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.
 * 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.
 * 2) *Note: when a planet has particularly notable flora and fauna, an individual section can be created for such.
 * 3) History will cover all notable points in the planet's history. Individual periods and major events can receive subsections.
 * 4) Inhabitants includes a description of the planet's native or resident sentient species (where applicable) and any other notable inhabitants.
 * 5) *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.
 * 6) 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.

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: 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.
 * 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.

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: 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.
 * 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.

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

 * Bulleted list of films, novels, comics, cartoons, roleplaying adventures, and computer games that the subject has appeared in
 * These are de facto references or sources, but they are listed separately because they are in-universe
 * Includes even the smallest mentions in dialogue, narration, or visual appearance
 * Should be sorted in order of in-universe chronology
 * If a subject's appearance in a specific film/book/comic is only a brief mention, apply the Mo template, e.g. for Grand Admiral Thrawn:
 * Specter of the Past
 * For a subject's first appearance in the saga (in order of publication, not in order of internal chronology), use the 1st template, e.g. for Kyle Katarn:
 * Star Wars: Dark Forces
 * If a subject's first appearance in the saga is only a mere mention, use the 1stm template, e.g. for Dantooine:
 * Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
 * Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith
 * A subject might not be named in its first appearance, but is identified in a later source. In this case, use 1st and 1stID, e.g. for Senator Grebleips:
 * Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
 * Cloak of Deception
 * For novels, make reference to the actual book, not the trilogy.
 * For comics, link to the individual issue, unless a subject appears in every issue of a story arc.
 * Format: name of title only, e.g.:
 * Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
 * Star Wars: Dark Forces
 * For generic comments, use C. For example, will produce:
 * The Star Wars Holiday Special
 * See Template messages/Sources of articles for other applicable templates.

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:
 * 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 ". (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 "&mdash;0 ABY.") See Manual of Style/Proper use of the dash for more information.

Notes and references

 * List of sources for information in the "Behind the scenes" section.
 * Items are added to the list by placing after the information tidbit in question.
 * To get the references to show up in this section, use the Reflist template.

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.

Category

 * Every article should have at least one category
 * 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 ; use the below method)


 * Articles beginning with an article ("a," "an," or "the") should be categorized by the first significant word; for example,.
 * 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.