Rich Content Editor
Content Selector
Embedding YouTube Video
Recording Media
Uploading Media

Rich Content Editor

The Rich Content Editor (RCE) is the main tool for entering text, images, files, multimedia, and hyperlinks in Canvas, and it appears almost everywhere in the system where users can enter content. You can use it to build content pages, add information to assignments/discussions/quizzes, create quiz questions, reply to discussion posts, and more.

The RCE has several features you will recognize from desktop word processors like Microsoft Word and online text editors. The image below shows the different RCE tools and then briefly explains what they are and in some cases how to use them.

Bold
Italic
Underline
Text color
Background color
Clear formatting
Text alignment (left, center, right)
Indent and Outdent
Superscript and Subscript
Bullet and Numbered list
Table
Hyperlinks (add, remove)
Insert image from Canvas or the Web
Insert mathematical equation
Record audio or record video and/or upload audio or upload video
Insert text left to right, or right to left
Font size
Text format/headings

See this video for more information on using the Rich Content Editor:

Rich Content Editor from Canvas LMS

Undo & Redo Option

Please note: the Rich Text Editor does NOT have a built-in undo or redo option, but you can use the Ctrl-Z shortcut to undo something and Ctrl-Y shortcut to redo something.

Ctrl-Z (undo) - this will undo what you just did and can be used to undo a number of previous actions. Directions: Press the Ctrl key on your keyboard and then the Z key. Repeat as many times as necessary.
Ctrl-Y (redo) - this will redo what you just undid and can be used to redo a number of previous actions. Directions: Press the Ctrl key on your keyboard and then the Y key. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Additional Resources

Content Selector

In addition to adding text, video, and hyperlinks to a Page using the Rich content editor, Canvas also allows you to add items using the content selector tool. This makes building content-rich pages simple and easy! See the following guide for general information - What is the Content Selector in the Rich Content Editor?

What items can you add using the content selector?

The following items can be easily added to a Page in Canvas using the content selector tool. Click on a link for additional directions and information.

links to other course content (Pages, Assignments, Quizzes, Announcements, Discussions, Modules, and Course Navigation)
links to files (Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc.)
Images (directly embedded and visible)

Inline File Preview

Canvas provides a convenient way to view course files directly from Canvas without downloading and opening them on your computer. This preview mode is important for students because there is less chance of them having problems viewing lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, homework assignments, and other course files. *NOTE: Students still have the option to open and/or save course files directly on their computer.

Faculty don't need to do anything special for the inline file preview to work, it automatically works for all compatible documents. See the following guide for the list of compatible documents - What document types does Canvas convert using the document previewer?

Embedding YouTube Video

In Canvas, you can easily embed YouTube videos within any content area that supplies the rich text editor tool bar (e.g., content Pages, Announcements, Discussions, Assignments, Quizzes, etc.). This allows your students to view the posted videos within the Canvas interface (as opposed to following a URL link that opens a new window).

See the following guide for directions - How do I link to a YouTube video in the Rich Content Editor?

Recording Media Content

When you create content in Canvas you can record audio or video media to present to your students through the Rich Content Editor. When using the SpeedGrader, you will also have the option to record media to attach to your comments on students' assignments.

See the following guides for more information and directions:

Uploading Media Content

When you create content in Canvas you can upload audio or video media to present to your students through the Rich Content Editor. When using the SpeedGrader, you will also have the option to upload media to attach to your comments on students' assignments.

See the following guides for more information and directions:

How do I upload a video using the Rich Content Editor?
How do I upload audio file using the Rich Content Editor?

Reminder!

After reviewing the information from each tab above click on the Next button to continue with the training!