Resource: DesignPlus Activation and Resources

To access any designPLUS features templates, including institutional templates, you first need to enable DesignPlus in your Canvas account:

If you are using a PC, get into into edit mode on any page or assignment and then simultaneously press down the alt+shift+d keys

If you are using a Mac, get into into edit mode on any page or assignment and then simultaneously press down the control+1 keys or the option + shift + d keys.

If toggle on the "show launch button" option in the DesignPLUS settings menu,

A screenshot from the DesignPLUS settings menu with a red arrow pointing toward the "Show Launch Button" switch.

you won't have to remember that key combination and the tool launch (rocket ship) icon will appear in the upper right corner of your screen whenever you edit a Canvas feature:

A screenshot showing the red and white DesignPLUS toolbar launch button, which is a red square containing a white silhouette of a rocket ship.

Now you will have access to the DesignPlus core tools and you can make use of the institutional page and discussion templates, or make your own.

Exciting News! Over the Summer of 2023, Cidi Labs released a new version of the DesignPLUS toolbar. This updated version offers some new features, as well as some refinements to existing features.

For now, the "Legacy" version of the toolbar is still accessible. However, we encourage faculty and staff to familiarize themselves with the updated version of the toolbar, as the "Legacy" toolbar will eventually be phased out completely.

Switching between the new and Legacy toolbars is easy - access the settings menu to toggle between the toolbars:

A screenshot of the DesignPLUS settings menu, with a red arrow pointing toward a button that says "Try New Version."

Use the links below to access guides, video trainings, and troubleshooting for DesignPLUS:

DesignPLUS User Guide
Quick Start Video & Resources
Training Video Series (broken into bite-sized topics)
Additional Resources for the Legacy and New toolbars

Legacy Toolbar Resources

If you're in a hurry to build or fix something in a course where you've already used the previous DesignPLUS toolbar and you don't have the time or bandwidth to start using the new toolbar and solve your problem, these links may be of help:

Quickstart Videos

Add Content Blocks - The basic content unit in a DesingPlus page, which can be easily formatted and rearranged

Add Quick Check Questions - Embed content questions in your Canvas pages to let students check their understanding.

Add Module List - Create a dynamic list of your modules on you home page

Accessibility Tools

Multi-Tool - Assists in creating templates and modules as well as adjusting due dates in a course from a single screen

We are still figuring out what kinds of support instructors will need with the new toolbar, so don't hesitate to email us at elearning@everettcc.edu if you get stuck.