- Transition
- Homepage
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Template Documentation
Template Configuration
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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 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.
Template Resources | Files and Folders
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Uploading imagery/graphics to a folder will make them available for application in the Template Configuration Window.
Accessing Files & Folders
Click Configure › Templates › Files & Folders › Site Files
- Here you will see the folders that pertain to your template assets
- Find resources for custom icons, stock photography, photo editing and color schemes here
Logos
Logo (Only) Dimensions: Max width of 600PX x flexible height
Logo (+ Site Name/Tagline) Dimensions: Max width of 250PX x flexible height
- Logos can be JPG's or PNG’s and should be sized to the correct dimensions prior to upload
- Upload your logos into the Logos folder (Create a Logos folder under Site Files > Images if this folder does not already exist)
Homepage Content & Apps
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This is the recommended app placement based on the homepage region map
Region A | Content App or Announcements App (only)- This is an app region located below the channel bar. This region will only show if it contains a Content App or Announcements App.
- Content in this region displays vertically
Region B | Multimedia Gallery App (only)Photo Dimensions: 780PX width x 508PX height
- Need assistance? Our Creative Services Image Editor makes cropping and sizing photos easy!
Region C | Any AppRecommended Headline Accent Image Dimensions: 220PX width x 150PX height (dimensions are recommended, not required)
- Content in this region displays vertically
Region D | Any AppRecommended Headline Accent Image Dimensions: 130PX width x 90PX height (dimensions are recommended, not required)
- Content in this region displays vertically
Region E | Any AppRecommended Headline Accent Image Dimensions: 130PX width x 90PX height (dimensions are recommended, not required)
- Content in this region displays vertically
Region F | Any AppRecommended Headline Accent Image Dimensions: 130PX width x 90PX height (dimensions are recommended, not required)
- Content in this region displays vertically
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Notable Features
Transition is designed with these Interactive Elements built in:
• Multimedia Gallery
• Color Configurability
Font Information:
• Body copy is size 16
• Font used is Open Sans (Light, Regular and SemiBold)
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App Names
To turn on an app name:
• Click on the app
• Click the Options banner and check the box that says “Show the app name on my page”
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Contact Info
To add or edit the address, phone, fax or email in the footer:
• Click Configure › Sites › the site you want to edit › Contact
• Add/edit the information and then hit Save
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Publishing a New Template
New Blackboard Clients:
• To publish your new template on your incubation site, go into each site’s Template Configuration Window and click the Publish and Exit button
• When you are ready to go public with your new website, follow the instructions listed here
Existing Blackboard Clients:
• To publish your new template on your live site, go into each site’s Template Configuration Window and click the Publish and Exit button
• Once your new template has been published, you may need to visit the content on each site’s homepage to reorganize apps as necessary. You can accomplish this by clicking and dragging apps from one region to another.
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WCM Support
The normal operating hours for Web Community Manager support are 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST Monday – Friday:
• wcmsupport@blackboard.com
• 855.742.5952
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Help Materials
The Blackboard Help Center contains a wealth of information and help materials. You can find resources for Web Community Manager here.