Content Editor

Use the Content Editor to format text, insert equations and tables, attach files and embed multimedia in content areas.

On this page:

About the Content Editor

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 allows faculty and students to format text, attach files, embed multimedia, and insert equations, hyperlinks and tables. The content editor appears throughout UB Learns in areas such as content areas, learning modules, folders, items, announcements and test questions.

UB Learns Content Editor Toolbar - Detailed Comparison.pdf
UB Learns Content Editor Toolbar - Quick Sheet.pdf
UB Learns Content Editor Toolbar - Quick Tips.pdf
Additional information about the content editor is available on the Blackboard website

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 use the plus icon 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.

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 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.

Using the Content Editor to Embed a UBbox Document in UB Learns

A useful feature of UB Learns is the ability to embed files from other sources, including UBbox. By embedding documents from UBbox into your UB Learns course, you are able to update documents in real time without having to delete or upload additional files.  

In order to embed a file into UB Learns, the first thing you will need to do is setup sharing of the file in UBbox.

  1. Log into your UBbox account and locate the file you want to share.
  2. Click on the Share link next to the file you intend to embed.
  3. Confirm the Access Type is set to People with the link.
  4. Click on the gear icon on the right side of the shared link box. This link will take you to advanced settings. Here you can customize the document’s URL, require a password for the document, determine an expiration date for the document’s availability, and even decide whether or not people who have access to the document can download the document.
  5. Once you have adjusted any settings in the advanced settings section, click Save then Close.

In order to embed the document into your UB Learns course, you will need to get the embed code for the document.

  1. Select the ellipsis (three dots) icon next to the document to be embedded and select More Actions > Embed Widget.
  2. Select Copy next to Embed Code URL.
  3. Close the Embed Widget window.

Embed the document in UB Learns.

  1. Sign into your UB Learns course
  2. Navigate to content area where you want to embed the document. The content editor appears throughout the system in areas such as content areas, learning modules, folders, items, announcements and test questions.
  3. Click on the <> icon (Source code) on the editor panel.
  4. Paste your embed code and click Save. Your document should now be embedded into your course.
  5. To check how your document looks, enter student mode (eye icon) in order to preview the document as the student would.

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.

Contact form