# Creating Content ## expand\_more For new content, course sites should use the template page included with the course site when first provisioned. Canvas's built-in Rich Content Editor, used in harmony with the preinstalled [CidiLabs DesignPlus](https://cidilabs.com/landing/design-tools/) tool, will help create a site that looks good, is consistent with other sites across HGSE, and is accessible. Please consult with our team for training on CidiLabs DesignPlus or reach out for a design consult. ## Using a Template Even if you decide not to use the provided template page, begin with settling on a particular *template theme* for your course site. Subsequent pages (and assignments, quizzes, and discussions) ought to utilize that theme. Most instructors also utilize a similar structure for every week or unit of their course. For example, each week may have an "Overview" page, a "Readings" page, a "Live Session Materials" page, and so on. Instructors may create pages that template the structure of each of these pages, and then duplicate those pages for subsequent weeks and merely amend the substantive content. Take a look at this example of a Module from a particular course: ![An example Canvas module with properly titled page names and a clear structure.](/sites/g/files/omnuum3251/files/2025-02/templates_module2.PNG) ### Duplicate a Page Here we see a Module that utilizes template pages within itself (for example, "Required Readings/Resources"). To duplicate a single item, click on the three dots to the right of the item and click "Duplicate" in the menu that appears. ### Add an Existing Item You'll notice that the "Live Sessions" page appears more than once. This is a link to the same page each time -- not to a duplicate. To add existing items from a list of existing creations, click the + icon on the Module and find the item you're looking for. ### Page Labelling Canvas doesn't allow two pages to have the same title within the same course. Say you have an Overview page you wish to duplicate over multiple weeks - for example, an overview of Week 1, an overview of Week 2, etc., each within the week's module. If you attempt to title each Overview page just "Overview", Canvas will force a change to "Overview-2", "Overview-3", and so on. To avoid this, label pages with the week number. Call the pages "Week 1: Overview", "Week 2: Overview", and so on. Note: the "Live Sessions" page that reappears in the image above is the *same* page each time and not a duplicate. ### Duplicate the Module To duplicate the entire Module, go to the three dots on the right-hand side of the Module item, and click "Duplicate". If you do not see the option to Duplicate, this is because there are items within the Modules page that cannot be duplicated via this method, such as Quizzes. You will instead have to duplicate individual pages or use the advanced "Multi-Tool" Cidi Labs plugin feature. Email for a walkthrough of this feature, if you feel you would benefit from it. ## Using the Rich Content Editor with Cidi Labs Design Tools The Rich Content Editor (RCE) allows WYSIWYG (that's What You See Is What You Get) editing of Canvas content. With the RCE, you can add, edit, or remove links; add multimedia content like images, videos, and audio; and format text. This tool appears while creating and editing the following types of content: - Pages - Assignment descriptions - Discussion prompts and posts - Quiz question - Announcements It is **highly** recommended you open and use the CidiLabs DesignPlus tool before editing the page, *even if* you do not intend to use any advanced features. Doing so will help you: - Maintain template structure, including the use of blocks to organize page content. - Ensure the accessibility of your content. A secondary advantage is that you will gain comfort with the tool over time and be able to experiment with advanced features such as: - Attractively formatted tables. - Accordions, tabs, and expanders - Auto-generated module lists - Quick checks - Pop-up content. - The advanced HTML editor. ## Using the Rich Content Editor On the top bar of the RCE, you will find a set of editing tools similar to word processing software you will already be familiar with. In addition, you will see the round, green Panopto logo for embedding Panopto videos, and a plug icon (selected in the image above), with links to other plugins for the RCE that may be installed. On the furthest right, the icon of a cloud lets you paste in HTML code to embed at the location of your cursor. Moving to the left, the equation editor assists in inserting and formatting mathematical and scientific equations (note that Canvas does recognize LaTeX entered directly into the RCE and other text fields in Canvas, bypassing the need to use the equation editor). Other tools on the top bar should be familiar. See the guide here for more detail: [A guide to Canvas's Rich Content Editor](https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-add-and-modify-text-in-the-Rich-Content-Editor-as-an/ta-p/818). ## Tips for Embedding Media ### Embedding Video You should always utilize the Panopto tool for video, wherever possible. Note that even if you do not create your videos within Panopto, you can embed media files by processing them through Panopto. Click on the Panopto icon in the RCE to do so. ### Central Alignment It is advisable to embed media with central alignment. To do this, set central alignment so the flashing cursor is centrally aligned *before* embedding media. ### Embedding Images Ensure you enter considered and detailed "alt text" when embedding pictures. Canvas will prompt you for this when embedding. This is necessary for accessibility. ### Embedding Links Ensure links make sense out of context. Avoid using "here" as the link text and instead properly describe the hyperlinked content. ## Other Tips & Tricks ### Page Revision History Every page in a Canvas site has a [revision history](https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1921) that can be referenced and previewed should you want to restore the page to previous point-in-time. Each time you save a page, a new "restore point" is created which can later be used to restore from. ### Draft State / Unpublished When new content in Canvas is created such as a page, it is created in a [draft state or unpublished state](https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1918), until it is **published** or, if you click save **and** publish it will commit both actions at the save time. Students are unable to see any content that is unpublished. ### Home Page Usage Any page within a Canvas site can be [set to as the Front Page](https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-1848) should you choose. To be clear, just because a page has been designated as the front page does not mean the home page will use or link to the front page. After a front page has been designated, [configure the Home Page settings to point to the Front Page](https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2554).