Overview

On March 21, 2024, the Design Tool editor (now called the DesignPLUS sidebar) underwent a significant upgrade. If you are accustomed to the legacy version of the Design Tools editor or you've created Canvas content with it, this document will help you understand what has changed and plan for the eventual migration of your legacy content. Those who start using the tool after the upgrade do not need the information within this article. If you want to learn more see our article: DesignPLUS sidebar for ELMS-Canvas.

The following is a timeline of important dates that we have planned for the future regarding this tools:

• March 21, 2024 to July 1, 2024 - Users will have the ability to upgrade to DesignPLUS sidebar. Users will also have the ability to switch back to Design Tools if necessary.
• July 2, 2024 - All users will be upgraded to DesignPLUS. Users will have the ability to switch back to Design Tools if necessary.
• May 27, 2025 - All users will ONLY have the ability to use DesignPLUS sidebar.

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User interface changes

The upgraded DesignPLUS sidebar offers all of the same features available in the legacy sidebar as well as some new capabilities. The most noticeable difference is the user interface, which has been completely redesigned (see screenshots below).

Design Tools Sidebar	DesignPLUS Sidebar

Even though the new interface is simpler and easier to learn, the changes are substantial, so it may take some time to become comfortable with the new sidebar. We recommend registering for a webinar or contacting itsupport@umd.edu for questions.

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Content compatibility

Design Tools (Legacy) content

Content created with the legacy sidebar (Design Tools) is not compatible with the new DesignPLUS sidebar. Text and images can be edited using the native tools in the Rich Content Editor (RCE). In order to edit the content using the sidebar you must upgrade the content using the DesignPLUS upgrade tool. Please review the "Upgrade Legacy Content" section below.

NOTE: Legacy content will not render properly after the legacy sidebar is retired. Be sure to upgrade all legacy content before May 2025.

To maintain the integrity of in-progress courses, continue to use the legacy sidebar to make changes in your course until the term is over. Upgrade legacy content after the term has concluded or before the next offering of the course.

Upgrade Legacy content

Upgrade Tool (one page at a time)

1. Edit a page or content item created with the legacy sidebar. Open the DesignPLUS sidebar. A notification similar to the following will display:
   
2. Choose Go to the Upgrade tool in the notification. The Upgrade tool will load. (You may need to close the notification to see the full screen of the Upgrade tool.)
3. To upgrade all legacy content on the current page, choose Upgrade all [XX] items (recommended). Alternatively, choose Individual Upgrades (Advanced) to view and upgrade incompatible elements one at a time.
4. After all legacy elements have been upgraded, save the page.

Legacy content must be upgraded one page or content item (assignment, quiz, etc.) at a time; bulk upgrades are not possible. See the Cidi Labs Guide for more information on the Upgrade Tool.

Course Upgrade (multiple pages from one place)

1. Go to the course Settings page and launch the DesignPLUS course sidebar.
2. There will be a DesignPLUS launch button (rocket icon) in the top right corner.
3. Select the button to open the Course Sidebar.
4. Select the Course Upgrade button to launch the tool.
5. Scan the course.
6. Select the Review Items button.
7. Select the checkbox to Select All Reviewable Items.
8. Review each item one at a time.
9. Select Approve Upgrade to save the upgraded content.

See the Cidi Labs Guide for more information on the Course Upgrade Tool.

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Get help

• For more information and resources on how to get started with DesignPLUS, review the DesignPLUS Sidebar for ELMS-Canvas article.
• Teaching & Learning Transformation Center (TLTC) - For pedagogy and instructional support, Instructors can attend workshops and webinars by going to tltc.umd.edu, to request a one-on-one consultation please email itsupport@umd.edu and in the subject line, notate DesignPLUS Consultation.
• ELMS-Canvas DesignPLUS Support - For technical support send an email to itsupport@umd.edu and in the subject line, notate DesignPLUS Technical Issue.
• Accessibility Support - For accessibility support please email itaccessibility@umd.edu.

Content for this resource was drawn from the Indiana University Knowledge Base article About the Design Tools content editor upgrade. © 2023 The Trustees of Indiana University.

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