Canvas@Illinois, Access the Design Tools Sidebar with Keyboard Shortcut

This article describes how you can activate the Design Tools Sidebar when editing content in your Canvas course.

Overview

The Design Tools Sidebar is part of the DesignPLUS integration with Canvas. Any user with permission to edit content in Canvas sites will have access to this tool, but it must first be turned on with a keyboard shortcut when you want to use it.

How to Use the Keyboard Shortcut to Access the Design Tools Sidebar

The Design Tools Sidebar is available only when editing content (like editing a page, discussion description, etc.). To enable this tool, you'll need to use one of the following shortcuts:

  • PC Keyboard Shortcut: Alt + Shift + D
  • Mac Keyboard Shortcut: Option + Shift + D

After entering the shortcut, you will see the Design Tools Sidebar expand on the right side like the screenshot below.

Canvas Page in edit mode with a red arrow pointing to the Design Tools Sidebar on the right side of the browser and outlined in a red box

Why isn't this turned on by default?

Since DesignPLUS is not required to create content, and to prevent confusion with an additional tool, we’re requiring keyboard shortcut activation at least the first time the tool is accessed. If you plan to use the Design Tools Sidebar frequently, you can adjust your user settings to automatically launch the tool with the following instructions: Canvas@Illinois , Automatically Launch Design Tools Sidebar.

Please note: DesignPLUS is expected to receive an upgrade sometime within the next year. We will update documentation and communicate this change once a date is set.


Keywordscanvas, designplus, design tools sidebar   Doc ID121226
OwnerCanvas C.GroupUniversity of Illinois Technology Services
Created2022-09-09 13:10 CSTUpdated2023-11-20 14:17 CST
SitesUniversity of Illinois Technology Services
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