Using TotalCMS as a Data Source in GridIron

GridIron integrates smoothly with TotalCMS from Weaver's Space, allowing you to use spreadsheets uploaded with TotalCMS as live data sources for tables, lists, grids, and more. This is an ideal solution for clients or editors who want to manage tabular content directly in the browser without touching code or uploading files.

What You’ll Need

• A working TotalCMS installation on your web hosting account
• The CMS Core and Admin Core stacks installed on your site
• A TotalCMS Spreadsheet ID
• GridIron installed in RapidWeaver, RapidWeaver Classic, or the Stacks App

What is a TotalCMS Spreadsheet?

The Spreadsheet stack in TotalCMS allows you to define a data table right inside the CMS interface. Editors can use a simple browser-based editor to manage multiple rows and columns of structured content — no external apps needed.

Each spreadsheet is assigned an ID, which is how both the CMS admin interface and GridIron know where to look.

Step-by-Step: Linking GridIron to a TotalCMS Spreadsheet

1. Set Up the Spreadsheet in TotalCMS

See their documentation for setting up and using TotalCMS if you are in doubt about how it works.

2. Add the GridIron Stack

1. Open the page where you want the data to appear.

2. Drag in the GridIron stack from the Stacks Library.

3. Click the blue + button and choose a layout stack such as:

   • Simple Table
   • DataTables
   • CSS Columns
   • Isotop
   • etc.

⚠️ At least one layout is required for GridIron to display anything.

3. Configure GridIron to Use TotalCMS

In the Inspector sidebar for the main GridIron stack:

1. Set Type to: TotalCMS
2. Enter the Spreadsheet ID
3. GridIron will automatically generate and cache the correct data URL.

4. Preview and Publish

• In Preview Mode, GridIron will request the spreadsheet data from TotalCMS.
• You'll see the data appear in your chosen layout.
• Once satisfied, publish your page as usual.

Data Privacy and Security

• GridIron only reads data from TotalCMS; it never writes to it.
• Spreadsheet data is cached server-side to reduce load and improve performance.
• Editors can still update the spreadsheet via the CMS Admin page, and changes will be picked up by GridIron automatically.

Benefits of Using TotalCMS with GridIron

• Live, editable data from a user-friendly CMS interface
• No need for CSV/Excel uploads
• Changes go live without republishing
• Fully self-hosted — no third-party connections
• Easy integration using just an ID

Known Limitations

• GridIron expects the spreadsheet to have well-structured headers and consistent columns.
• Cell formulas, if present, are not evaluated — GridIron uses the raw values as stored in the JSON feed.
• TotalCMS spreadsheet data must be publicly accessible or at least not access-restricted (no .htaccess protection).

Need more help?

Please refer to the user guide for TotalCMS or post your questions to the Weaver’s Space Forums.