Content Editor

This help website is only for Blackboard.

UB's primary Learning Management System is now UB Learns, powered by Brightspace.

 

Use the content editor to format text, insert equations and tables, attach files and embed images and YouTube videos.

Update your browsers to avoid issues with the content editor and other application components

Users with older versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge may have issues with the content editor, such as blank entries or messages stating that you must enter text even though you have already done so.

Keeping your browsers up-to-date is essential not only for UB Learns but for other web-based applications. Links to browser update information are below.

The content editor is available in the Portfolios tool and is used to embed images and video on your portfolio pages.

Learn more about creating portfolios

Currently, font size units in the new content editor are not being represented consistently (all font sizes should be in pixels). Blackboard is aware of the issue and working on a fix. (Updated Jan. 18, 2021)

On this page:

Where is the content editor available in UB Learns?

The content editor is available throughout UB Learns, including in assignments, tests that require written responses (essays, for example) and when editing your portfolios.

Content Editor Documentation

An updated content editor was released on Nov. 6, 2020. The help documents below are for the updated version.

The update includes improvements to existing tools, a new accessibility checker and the ability to display computer code. Some icons have changed, and the options to embed files, images, videos and mashups are now available by clicking on the plus icon (use the Insert Local Files option for images).

Adding an Image

Method for adding images to UB Learns has changed

To improve performance, Blackboard has released an update where copying and pasting an image from a document (such as a Word document) to a UB Learns text field is no longer supported. You can add images by using the plus icon in the content editor toolbar.

Use the instructions below to add images to UB Learns.

  1. Click in a text field where the content editor is visible.
  2. To see all the editing options, click the ellipsis icon (three dots) on the right of the content editor.
  3. Click the plus icon.
  4. Click Insert Local Files.
  5. Locate the file on your computer.
  6. Click Open.
  7. Right-click on the image and choose Image… from the pop-out menu.
  8. Add a description of the image to the Alternative description field (for accessibility purposes).
  9. Resize the image, if necessary. You can also resize the image by clicking on it and dragging the corner handles.
  10. Click Save.

Adding a Video

Do not upload video files to your course.

Instead, use plus icon > Panopto Video or plus icon > YouTube Video.

Panopto Video

  1. Click in a text field where the content editor is visible.
  2. To see all the editing options, click the ellipsis icon (three dots) on the right of the content editor.
  3. Click the plus icon.
  4. Click Panopto Video.
  5. elect the video or videos you with to add to the content editor
  6. Click insert Videos.

YouTube Video

  1. Click in a text field where the content editor is visible.
  2. To see all the editing options, click the ellipsis icon (three dots) on the right of the content editor.
  3. Click the plus icon.
  4. Click YouTube Video.
  5. Enter search information in the Search field and click Go.
  6. Click Select for the video you want to add to your portfolio.
  7. Review the Mashup Options.
  8. Click Submit.
  9. Right-click on the preview image and choose Image… from the pop-out menu.
  10. Add a description of the preview image to the Alternative description field (for accessibility purposes).
  11. Click Save.

Need additional help?

Use our contact form to submit a help ticket (you may be asked for your UBITName and password). After the form is submitted, a member of the UB Learns support team will follow up with you within one business day.