More topics

Human-Readable URLs (HRUs) and GUIDs

Last updated on February 5, 2024

A human-readable URL is a web address that is easy to read and understand. It typically uses meaningful words to help users identify the content of a webpage. A GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) is a unique, unchanging page identifier.

On this page

Overview of Human Readable URLs

On June 21, 2015, the new 15-theme based Gov site was launched, which introduced Human Readable URLs. Previously, pages were only identified using GUIDs.

Page URLs

Page URLs, by default, are based on the Information Architecture and can be modified by content editors.

For example:

  • https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/service-experience-digital-delivery/

Asset URLs

Asset URLs are based on: 

For example:

  • http://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-and-our-government/open-government/cms-lite-manual/back-to-top.gif

Page paths

The page path (on the Settings tab on the Topic template) has a restricted character set:

  • Only a - z, 0 - 9 and - [dash] will be used to form the HRU
  • All other characters and spaces will be replaced with a dash

For example:  Programmes de langue française will be converted to programmes-de-langue-fran-aise

Content editors can update or shorten the page path

A content editor may choose to update the Page Path.

  • For example, programmes-de-langue-fran-aise may be altered to read: french-programs.
  • When [Save] is selected, system validation will ensure HRU is unique

Content editors may also choose to shorten the HRU.

For example:

  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-a-teacher-in-a-b-c-offshore-school/  
  • www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education/k-12/teach/training/offshore/

Page paths must be unique

Child pages within the same parent must have a unique Page Path value. CMS Lite will not allow you to save the page if the Page Path value is also used on a sibling page.

Pages can have the same page path name when the parent page is different.

Moving published pages

If you move a published page to a new location, you must republish it for it to appear in new location on the Production web server.

Permanent links (GUID)

Example: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content ?id=D248756D685C4B22B54B902608C8FC90

What is a GUID?

In the context of a URL, a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) is a unique page or asset identifier. It helps the system recognize each page as distinct, ensuring no mix-ups when managing, renaming, or relocating web content.

CMS Lite assigns a unique ID (GUID) to each page and asset. The GUID is used to uniquely identify the item within the system, regardless of its state (draft, published, moved, etc.). Once a GUID is assigned to a page, it remains constant, even after the page is updated or published.

These unique numbers will have a one-to-one relationship to the human-readable URL.

How to find the GUID in CMS Lite

In a web browser, the Share icon is available in the bottom-right corner of every page, with the exception of the home page.

  • Click on the Share icon to display the Permanent link to the page.

Button on the bottom right corner of page showing the page's GUID

When to use the GUID 

In CMS Lite, use the GUID or the HRU

When linking to a page, asset or image in the CMS Lite, you may paste the HRU into the applicable URL field.

When linking within a document or sharing a URL, use the GUID

As Human Readable URLs may change over time, it is best practice to use the permanent link when embedding them into a document or sharing with a client.

Request a simple URL

If you require a simple URL, submit your simple URL request by emailing the Joint Working Group Coordinator at GCPE.ISJointDelivery@gov.bc.ca.

Be sure to include:

  • Your proposed simple URL
  • Rationale for requesting the simple URL
  • The page GUID you want the simple URL to point to
  • The date you want the simple URL to go live