Canvas@Illinois, Using the QuickStart Wizard from DesignPLUS

Learn how you can use the QuickStart Wizard from DesignPLUS to quickly create styled content from templates and content blocks.

Note: This tool is expected to be enabled on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 for both Canvas @ Illinois (canvas.illinois.edu) and Canvas Catalog (illinois.instructure.com)

The QuickStart Wizard is available on any blank page of content (such as a page, assignment, discussion, etc.). It can be used to add template content to create consistent style throughout your course--without needing to use the full DesignPLUS Sidebar. The template pages and content that you'll find in the QuickStart Wizard includes content developed by the Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL), staff at Illinois, and selected content from the vendor. 

Expand the sections below to learn more.

Launch the QuickStart Wizard

  1. Create or edit a blank page, assignment, Classic Quiz, syllabus, or announcement.

  2. Next to the title field, select the QuickStart Wizard button.
    QuickStart Wizard button next to Page title field. Orange box and arrow point to the button.

  3. A modal will appear where you can select the template and/or block content.
    QuickStart Wizard modal showing the general interface with Templates and Blocks on the right side of the screen.

Apply a page template

  1. With the QuickStart Wizard modal open, select the Template tab.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with an orange box and arrow pointing to the Templates tab

  2. Select one of the categories of available template pages to expand and view options.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open to the Templates tab with the Syllabus category expanded.

  3. To preview each template, hover over the name of each template and a preview will appear to the left of the menu. In the example below, the Campus Syllabus Template is displayed as a preview.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with the Campus Syllabus Template expanded. A preview of this template is displayed on the left side surrounded by a blue dashed outline.

  4. Select the name of the template option you would like to add to your course. The modal will update to show an editable preview on the left side. While you can't edit the words at this stage, you can reorder content [with the Move Up (A) or Move Down (B) arrows, or remove content (C)].
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with template content loaded on the left side. Letters A, B, and C point to buttons to move content up, down, or delete.

  5. Select the Add to Editor button. The modal will close.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with an orange box and arrow pointing to the Add to Editor button.

  6. After the modal closes, the page will update with the template content. To edit the text, you can edit the content in the RCE as you normally would, or you can use the DesignPLUS Sidebar to further edit the content. 

Add content blocks

  1. Select the Blocks tab of the QuickStart Wizard.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with an orange box and arrow pointing to the Blocks tab.

  2. Select one of the categories of available content blocks to expand and view options.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open to the Blocks tab with the "Cards" category expanded

  3. To preview a content block, hover over the name of each block and a preview will appear to the left of the menu.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with the Cards category expanded and a selection being previewed on the left side (surrounded by a blue dashed outline)

  4. Select the name of the content block you would like to add to your course. The modal will update to show an editable preview on the left side. While you can't edit the words/images at this stage, you can reorder content (with the Move Up or Move Down arrows, or remove content blocks).
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with content loaded in the preview. Letters A, B, and C point to arrows to move content up or down, or delete.

  5. Select the Add to Editor button.
    QuickStart Wizard modal is open with an orange box and arrow pointing to the Add to Editor button.
  6. After the modal closes, the page will update with the selected content. To edit the text, you can edit the content in the RCE as you normally would, or you can use the DesignPLUS Sidebar to further edit the content.

Reorder content

  1. After content is added to the editor preview (left side) of the modal, locate a content block that you would like to move. You can hover your mouse over the block or tab to a section. Your selected section will be surrounded by a light blue, dotted border.

  2. Drag and drop the content block, or use the Move Up/Move Down arrows to move the block to the desired location. The preview will reload with the new order.

 

See Also


Keywords:
Canvas, QuickStart Wizard, DesignPLUS 
Doc ID:
164880
Owned by:
Canvas G. in University of Illinois Technology Services
Created:
2026-10-15
Updated:
2026-11-04
Sites:
University of Illinois Technology Services