---
label: 'Importing syndicated content'
top_level: true
related:
  - block.place
---
{% set create_topic = render_var(url('help.help_topic', {'id': 'aggregator.creating'})) %}
{% set config_topic = render_var(url('help.help_topic', {'id': 'aggregator.managing'})) %}
<h2>{% trans %}What is a feed?{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}A feed is syndicated content data provided by a source outside of your web site, which is imported into your web site.{% endtrans %}</p>
<h2>{% trans %}What is OPML?{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) is a specification for making hierarchical lists, which is commonly used for lists of feeds.{% endtrans %}</p>
<h2>{% trans %}What are the options for updating feed items?{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}Feeds are <em>updated</em> (new items imported) each time your site's cron task runs, if the selected <em>Update interval</em> for the feed has passed. You can also update feeds manually; see <a href="{{ config_topic }}">Managing and configuring an existing feed</a> for details.{% endtrans %}</p>
<h2>{% trans %}What are the options for displaying feeds?{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}Using the core Aggregator, Views, Views UI, and Block modules, you can display feed data in your site in various ways (see related topics for more information):{% endtrans %}</p>
<ul>
  <li>{% trans %}After creating and updating a feed, view the feed page provided by the core Aggregator module, which displays recent imported items; see <a href="{{ create_topic }}">Creating a feed</a> for details.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Place the <em>Aggregator feed</em> block in a region of your theme; each block you place lists the most recent items from one feed.{% endtrans %}</li>
  <li>{% trans %}Create a custom view that shows either <em>Aggregator feed</em> (feeds) or <em>Aggregator feed item</em> (items from feeds).{% endtrans %}</li>
</ul>
<h2>{% trans %}Overview of aggregation{% endtrans %}</h2>
<p>{% trans %}The core Aggregator module allows you to add, edit, and delete feeds, choose how often to import items from feeds, and display the feeds. See the related topics below for specific tasks.{% endtrans %}</p>
