How to make a story

DigitalNZ offers a space where you can create a story using digital items from more than 200 libraries, museums, media organisations and community groups. You can also add text, upload your own images, and if you choose, share your story with a wider audience.

Different ways to use stories

Diagram with icons and text under the headings 'Document your research', Share your family hisotry' and 'Collect your favourite items'.

1. Sign up/Log in

To make a story, you will need to create a DigitalNZ account. Sign up or Log in to start.


2. Add to a story

To make a story, start by searching for items you are interested in.

To include an item in your story, click on the 'Add to a story' button. Save the item to a pre-made 'Favourites' story or select 'Create a new story' and give your story a name.


3. Edit your story

Click on 'My stories' under the drop-down menu on the top-right corner of your screen.

On this page, you'll see all of your stories. Select the story you'd like to edit.


4. Customise your story

Customise your story by adding your own captions, titles, and text.

Drag and drop - By default, your items will be organised in the order you added them. Move items and text around on the page by clicking on them to drag and drop where you want them to go.

Add text - Add text to your story by clicking on the 'add text' button. Add headings, notes, or reference information. You can also add text links to web pages.


5. Add captions and delete items

Click on the three-dot icon on an item to:

  • make an item full width

  • add a caption and notes under an item

  • delete an item.


6. Change your story’s privacy settings

Your story will go through a moderation process once it is created and will be made Public if approved.

You are unable to share your story publicly until it has been through the moderation process (usually one working day).

Choose who can see your story by clicking on the 'Manage/change access' link at the top of your story. Select 'Public', 'Hidden' (access via the URL) or 'Private'.


7. Upload your own images

You can also upload your own images to your stories. Visit the upload your own images help page for more information.

Text or user uploaded images added to a story are defined as 'contributed content'. Read DigitalNZ's Contributed content terms of use for more information.


8. Get some inspiration

Also, check out the special series we ran a few years ago 'Creative people make creative stories'.