> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://analog.groupthought.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://analog.groupthought.com/building-pages/custom-section.md).

# The Custom section

Use the Custom section to stack blocks in one vertical column with a shared gap and alignment.

The Custom section stacks any theme block in one vertical column. The column has one gap and one alignment setting. It appears in the Add section picker as "Section layout". Use it for an FAQ, form, marquee, or another block stack that doesn't have a purpose-built section.

## One vertical column

Blocks render from top to bottom in the order you place them, separated by the section gap. The section is as tall as its blocks. Use a purpose-built section for two-column layouts, repeating card lists, or media with overlay content.

| You want                                               | Use                                                       |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Media behind placed text                               | [Banner or Banner layers](/building-pages/backgrounds.md) |
| Two columns that relate on desktop and stack on mobile | [Pair](/building-pages/pair.md)                           |
| A repeating grid or carousel of cards                  | [Card sections](/building-pages/cards.md)                 |
| A vertical stack of anything else                      | The Custom section                                        |

{% hint style="warning" %}
Don't rebuild Banner or Pair with blocks in a Custom section. The purpose-built section already handles overlays, height, and breakpoint behavior. If the single column keeps getting in the way, use another section.
{% endhint %}

## What it accepts

The section accepts every theme block, composite block, and app block:

* Text and layout: text, rich text, decoration, buttons, and the [layout blocks](/building-pages/layout-blocks.md) (Frame, Row, Text group, Flex, Grid editorial, Grid auto)
* Composites: Section title, Accordions, Tabs, Marquee, Callout, Callout group, Contact form, Card showcase
* Any app block

The built-in presets are all block stacks in this one column: "FAQ: Accordion", "FAQ: Tabs", "Marquee", "Contact", and "Newsletter".

## Contain or bleed

"Contain section" is on by default. "Width" selects "Full", "Page", or "⋯" for custom "Desktop width" and "Mobile width" percentages. Turn "Contain section" off for edge-to-edge content. The "Marquee" preset also enables "Custom rhythm" and sets both spacing values to 0, so the band touches the sections around it.

## Gap and alignment

"Gap" sets the vertical space between blocks to "S", "M" (default), "L", or "⋯" with a custom pixel value. There is no "None" option. Set "Gap" to "⋯" and "Custom gap" to 0 to join blocks with no space, as you would for [Pair's columns](/building-pages/pair.md#gap).

"Alignment" applies to the whole column. A block with its own alignment setting can override it.

## Recipes

### FAQ accordion

Use a Section title and an Accordions block for a one-column FAQ:

* Blocks: Section title ("Common Questions"), Accordions with one Accordion per question
* Section layout › Contain section: on
* Content layout › Gap: "M"

### Full-bleed marquee

Use an uncontained section with zero rhythm for a scrolling band that touches its neighbors:

* Blocks: Marquee holding a Text group of repeated phrases
* Section layout › Contain section: off
* Section layout › Custom rhythm: on
* Section layout › Spacing top: 0
* Section layout › Spacing bottom: 0

### Narrow newsletter

Use a custom width and a tint background for a centered signup panel:

* Blocks: text ("Newsletter"), rich text, newsletter form
* Section layout › Width: "⋯"
* Section layout › Desktop width: 65
* Content layout › Gap: "S"
* Appearance › Background: "Tint"

## See also

* [The section model](/core-concepts/model.md): sections, blocks, and containers
* [Pair sections](/building-pages/pair.md): two-column layouts
* [Card sections](/building-pages/cards.md): repeating cards from a collection or list
* [Layout blocks](/building-pages/layout-blocks.md): containers available in this section