The Template Configuration Window is where you can preview the template and configure many of the settings and features.

Accessing the Template Configuration Window (TCW)

Click Configure › Sites › the site you want to edit › Advanced › Change › click on the template thumbnail in the upper left corner › choose the appropriate template

Using the TCW

• Within the TCW, you will see multiple accordion bars in the left column
• Within each bar are areas where you can make changes, insert URLs, apply logos, etc
• Enter the appropriate information and then click Save & Preview to view your changes
• To publish updates you have made, click Publish & Exit
• If you are an existing Blackboard client and are not yet ready to go public with your new template, do NOT click Publish & Exit, as that will apply the new template to your website
• If you want to make changes after the new template is live, you can still click Save & Preview to preview your changes, but then you can also click Publish & Exit to make your changes live

Unexpected Character Error

Some characters are not accepted in the TCW. We suggest you add one URL at a time and click save and preview during setup to ensure URLs are accepted. If you receive an error message, use tinyurl.com/app to create a simplified url for your link destination.

Setting Colors

Each template comes with varying levels of configuration. As a rule of thumb, if a particular area has a color, then that color can be changed. There are some circumstances, however, where white or light gray areas are not configurable. This has been done intentionally as part of the overall design aesthetic. We suggest that you preview the template before licensing to ensure it will be a perfect fit for your organization. 

Uploading imagery/graphics to a folder will make them available for application in the Template Configuration Window.

Image Dimensions


• Logo (Only) Dimensions: Max width of 400PX x flexible height
• Logo (+ Site Name/Tagline) Dimensions: Max width of 200PX x flexible height 
• Global Icon Dimensions: 60PX width x 60PX height
• Region B | Multimedia Gallery Photo Dimensions: 1500PX width x 713PX height (Same dimensions for large and small gallery)
• Region C and D | Headline Accent Image Dimensions: 355PX width x 230PX height
• Region E | Accent Image Dimensions: 768PX width x 572PX height
• Small Multimedia Gallery | Background Image Dimensions: 1500PX width x 547PX height
• Region C | Background Image Dimensions: 1500PX width x 750PX height
• Region G | Background Image Dimensions: 1200PX width x 1200PX height

Important Image Naming and File Size Recommendations

• We recommend that you avoid using spaces or special characters in the file name for the images as this can cause them not to display. Hyphens or underscores are acceptable and can be used as substitutes when naming images.
• All files should be kept under 1 MB in size. If you need assistance compressing your files, we recommend Tiny PNG
• Need assistance? Our Creative Services Image Editor makes cropping and sizing photos easy
  
  

Accessing Files & Folders

• Click Configure › Templates › Files & Folders › Site Files to see the folders that pertain to your template assets
• The icons folder (for custom global icons) and images folder (for all other template assets) are default subfolders within the
  Site Files
• Template assets will need to be uploaded to newly created subfolders within the images folder
• Select the images folder and click Folder Actions › New Subfolder and then add an appropriate name for the folder (i.e. logos, background, accent)
• Looking for resources? Find custom icons, stock photography, photo editing and color schemes here
  
  

Uploading Logos | Custom Icons

• Icons and logos need to be PNGs with a transparent background, and sized to the correct dimensions prior to upload
• The color of the icon should be the desired color you would like on the site since custom icons are not color changing
• Upload your custom icons to the icons folder and logos to the logos subfolder within the images folder
  
  

Background Images (Small Multimedia Gallery, Regions C and G) | Accent Image (Region E)

• Photos can be JPGs or PNGs, and need to be sized to the correct dimensions prior to upload
• If you do not upload background images, the Multimedia Gallery or Streaming Video will show behind content in these areas
• Upload your photos into their respective subfolders created in the images folder (i.e. background, accent)
   

This is the recommended app placement based on the homepage region map

Region A | Site Shortcuts App (only)

• This region displays in the upper right corner of the channel bar and is used as a quick links dropdown
• The name of the dropdown is determined by the app name 
• Be sure to select "Show the app name on my page" under App Options
• This region is optional and may be hidden by removing content apps

Region B | Multimedia Gallery App (only)

• Photo dimensions are the same for both the small and large Multimedia Gallery
• Need assistance? Our Creative Services Image Editor makes cropping and sizing photos easy!

Region C | Any App

• Headlines, Upcoming Events and Announcements go into a Content Slider
• Content in this region displays horizontally
• This region has an (optional) sticky background photo

Regions D | Any App

• Headlines, Upcoming Events and Announcements go into a Content Slider
• Content in this region displays horizontally

Region E | Any App (Accent Image Region | Use One App Only)

• Accent image is required in this region (see Region E Accent Image under Template Resources | Files & Folders (above) for file specifications and upload information)
• Due to space limitations, it's recommended that only one app be placed in this region
• This region is optional and may be hidden by removing content apps
• Content in this region displays vertically

Region F | Any App

• Content in this region displays vertically

Region G | Any App

• Background image is optional and may be hidden by making the background opacity 100% in the TCW
• Content in this region displays vertically
• This region has an (optional) sticky background photo