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 to change versions. 

How to Enable the New DesignPLUS Sidebar

To change your version of the DesignPLUS sidebar, you will need to do the following:

1. In Canvas, ensure you are in edit mode on a page, assignment or discussion. 
2. If the legacy DesignPLUS 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. With the legacy DesignPLUS Sidebar open, you'll use a similar keyboard shortcut to change versions but use "V" (for "version"):
   • Windows: Alt + Shift + V
   • Mac: Option + Shift + V
4. 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.
   
5. Once the page reloads, you'll need to enable the new sidebar with the original keyboard shortcut:
   • Windows: Alt + Shift + D
   • Mac: Option + Shift + D
6. Select the rocket ship icon in the top right corner of your screen to expand the sidebar.
   
7. You'll now see the new sidebar and can start building your content!
   

Need to Switch Back to the Legacy Sidebar?

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 the "version" shortcut again (Alt/Option + Shift + V). That will prompt a refresh of the page. You may need to enter the regular shortcut again (Alt/Option + Shift + D), and you'll be good to go!

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.