Changing the Course Menu Appearance

The update to the Q4 2017 Release of Blackboard introduces a new theme that is uniform across all courses that utilizes a high-contrast format for accessibility purposes. While the options to change the color of the text and background (as shown below) are still present, the default theme will override any color changes made here. However, buttons are still accessible, but are not recommended to be used, as long text titles do not fit within the buttons.

Changing the Course Menu Appearance

Image shows the course control panel opened on Customization, outlined in a red circle with a number 1, and Teaching Style Under Customization outlined in a red circle with a number 2.

Log into your Blackboard course and go to the control panel.  

  1. Click on Customization.
  2. Select Teaching Style.

Changing the Course Menu to Text

Image of the Select Menu Style window with the following annotations: 1.Style: Under Style, select Text.2.Background Color: Select the color for the background.3.Text Color: Select the color for the text.4.Preview: A preview of the selected menu style will appear here.

Scroll down to Select Menu Style:

  1. Style: Under Style, select Text.
  2. Background Color: Select the color for the background.
  3. Text Color: Select the color for the text.
  4. Preview: A preview of the selected menu style will appear here.

Changing the Course Menu to Buttons, Part 1

Image of the Select Menu Style screen with the following annotations: To change the menu style to buttons, go to #4, Select Menu Style:1.Style: Under Style, select Buttons.2.Button Library: Click on Button Library to Select a button style.3.Preview: A preview of the selected menu style will appear here.

To change the menu style to buttons, go to Select Menu Style:

  1. Style: Under Style, select Buttons.
  2. Button Library: Click on Button Library to Select a button style.
  3. Preview: A preview of the selected menu style will appear here.

Changing the Menu Style to Buttons, Part 2

Image of the Button Library with the following annotations: 1.Button Type: Select the desired button type: Solid, Pattern or Striped2.Button Shape: Select the desired button shape: Rounded Corners, Rectangular, or Rounded Ends3.Color: Enter the name of the desired color and click Search to filter results.4.Click on the desired button style to change the menu appearance

The Button Library allows users to choose from the following button styles:

  1. Button Type: Select the desired button type: Solid, Pattern or Striped
  2. Button Shape: Select the desired button shape: Rounded Corners, Rectangular, or Rounded Ends
  3. Color: Enter the name of the desired color and click Search to filter results.
  4. Click on the desired button style to change the menu appearance

Submitting Changes

Image of the Submit button outlined in a red circle

Once the desired menu appearance has been selected, scroll down to the bottom and press the Submit button to save changes.