How do I simplify the course menu?

Overview

The course menu (shown below) is the list of areas within a Canvas course that runs down the left-hand side of the course, just next to the Canvas Global Navigation (the grey toolbar that runs down the far left-hand side of the page). You may have noticed that there are many areas of the course that appear on the menu by default. To simplify the course navigation experience for both instructors and students, use this guide to hide unused areas on the course menu. Click on the image below to access a video walk through.

Steps

  1. In the course that you would like to edit the menu of, go to "Settings" - the last option on the course menu.
    1. Screenshot of Canvas course with "Settings" highlighted
  2. Choose the "Navigation" tab at the top of the Settings page.
    1. Settings page of Canvas course with "Navigation" highlighted
  3. Drag and drop areas in an order that is useful for your course. 
  4. Drag areas that will not be used into the bottom section of the page, titled "Drag items here to hide them from students."
    1. Course Navigation settings page; "Drag items here to hide them from students" is highlighted

Example

Here is an example of a simplified course menu that will be effective in most circumstances. 

Navigation page in course settings; example of simplified course navigation menu

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Details

Article ID: 143403
Created
Mon 12/5/22 12:38 PM
Modified
Tue 10/1/24 12:42 PM

Related Articles (2)

These Canvas Community videos provide detailed step-by-step directions.
These links to Canvas Community articles provide detailed step-by-step directions and include pictures.