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Canvas@Illinois, Enable the New DesignPLUS Sidebar

This article describes how to enable the new DesignPLUS Sidebar in Canvas and Canvas Catalog/Open Canvas.

Overview

The DesignPLUS Sidebar has recently been updated with a new interface, streamlined workflow, and additional functionality. The New DesignPLUS Sidebar can be enabled in Canvas@Illinois (canvas.illinois.edu) as well as Canvas Catalog/Open Canvas (illinois.instructure.com). To access the new sidebar, you need to use a keyboard shortcut.

How to enable the New DesignPLUS Sidebar

  1. In Canvas, ensure you are in edit mode on a page, assignment or discussion. 
  2. If the sidebar is not open by default, you'll need to enable it with a keyboard shortcut:
    • Windows: Alt + Shift + D 
    • Mac: Option + Shift + D
  3. Select the rocket ship icon in the top right corner of your screen to expand the sidebar.
    DesignPLUS rocket ship icon
  4. You'll now see the new sidebar and can start building your content!
    Canvas page with a red arrow pointing to the New DesignPLUS Sidebar

Is your sidebar still defaulting to the Legacy Sidebar?

This is likely due to a cookie that's still enabled in your browser. To resolve the issue, please clear your cache and cookies: Browsers, Clearing Cache and Cookies

Need to switch back to the Legacy Sidebar version?

If you need or want to switch back to the legacy sidebar, you can! Because we currently allow for version switching, you'll just need to use an additional shortcut to change versions:

  1. With the new DesignPLUS Sidebar open, you'll enter the following shortcut:
    • Windows: Alt + Shift + V
    • Mac: Option + Shift + V
  2. You'll see a pop up message asking you to confirm if you want to reload the page with the new sidebar. Select OK and the page will reload.
    Pop up message asking if user wants to reload the page with the new sidebar with red arrow pointing toward the OK button
  3. Once the page reloads, you may need to use the keyboard shortcut again to activate the sidebar:
    • Windows: Alt + Shift + D
    • Mac: Option + Shift + D

Accessibility of the New DesignPLUS Sidebar

For users building content, some accessibility issues were identified in certain components of the New DesignPLUS Sidebar. For additional information, please see the Canvas@Illinois, New DesignPLUS Sidebar Alternative Access Plan Knowledgebase article.


Keywords:
Canvas, DesignPLUS, sidebar, canvas catalog, new sidebar, new DesignPLUS sidebar 
Doc ID:
135680
Owned by:
Rachel M. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2024-02-23
Updated:
2024-10-28
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services