2.6.4. Rendering parameters

Rendering parameter templates are managed in the same module as the code that uses them, either in the feature module where the rendering and controller logic resides or in a foundation level module. In the latter case a rendering parameters template in a feature module can derive from one or more rendering parameters templates from foundation modules and include all parameters in the rendering. If the rendering parameters template reference any setting items, make sure that the items along with their templates reside in the same module (or in a lower layer module) as the parameters template itself.

Please consider carefully what configuration of the rendering belongs in the datasource or on the context page, as opposed to the rendering parameters. Rendering parameters are generally considered less editor friendly than content fields and are often restricted to administrators, but it is possible through rendering parameters to preconfigure a number of compatible renderings – which makes the rendering parameters both accessible and very user friendly.

Consider using Field Editor buttons for managing those hidden fields in the Experience Editor (http://www.nonlinearcreations.com/Digital/how-we-think/articles/2016/03/Sitecore-8-and-8-1-How-to-add-a-Field-Editor-Button-to-a-component-in-Experience-Editor-Mode.aspx).

Habitat Example

Habitat has many examples of Rendering Parameters applied throughout the solution, for example, many renderings use the ParametersTemplate_HasBackground template to render different background colours and images for the rendering.

Habitat also has an example of a general Field Editor button (implemented in the Foundation.FieldEditor module) which makes it possible to edit all fields in a datasource item from the Experience Editor.