Course Content Editor

The Blackboard (Bb) Ultra content editor is a browser-based tool used in discussions, assignments, journals, and messages. It lets you format text, insert media, attach files, add links, create tables, and drag‑and‑drop files. The editor appears wherever you can enter text, and on smaller screens its options collapse into menus for easier access.

Add Text

Among many other options in the editor, you can add bulleted and numbered lists and bold and italicized text. Use the Text style menu to add headings. You can also launch the math editor to embed mathematical formulas in your text.

Add Files and Media  

When you submit your work, you can browse for files in cloud storage or on your computer. You can include documents, video, audio, and images. Specifically, the supported file types include DOC, DOCX, HTM, HTML, MP3, MPG, PDF, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, RTF, TXT, ZIP, and most image types.

Insert Files in the editor  

In certain areas of an Ultra course, you have the option to upload files in the editor. For instance, while participating in a discussion, you can attach a document to support your statements. To upload a file, click the Attachment (paperclip) icon and browse for a file from your computer. You can also add files from cloud storage by selecting the plus icon.

Moreover, you can easily drag and drop a file from your computer into the editor. To do so, select and hold the mouse button over the file you wish to move, move the file with the mouse or touchpad into the editor, and release the mouse button. Once uploaded, you can modify the file’s settings, including the display name, alternative text, and display behavior.

Insert images in the editor  

Within an Ultra course, there are certain sections where you can incorporate images alongside text content using the editor functions. It is possible to add images from online sources, cloud storage, or even your local drive. However, please note that images cannot be added in the editor for calendar items.

Add images from your local drive. Drag and drop the image from your computer to the editor:

• Select and hold the mouse button over the file you wish to move.
• Move the file with the mouse or touchpad into the editor.
• Release the mouse button, and the file will have been moved.

Add images from the web

To insert an image, click on the plus sign icon and select image from URL. Then provide the URL, which is hosted online using the “http://” protocol. Don’t forget to add a description of the image in the Alternative text box to ensure that users who can’t view the image or use screen readers can still understand it.

Resizing and deleting images 

You can resize images and other media types in the editor. You can even resize videos and media inserted via URL.

To resize an image, hover over it and click on it to select it. You will see four corner handles in the image. Click and hold one of the handles, then drag it to increase or decrease the image size. Once you are satisfied with the size, release the mouse button and click “Save”.

Insert YouTube video  

In the editor, you have the option to insert YouTube videos directly without leaving your course. You can choose to display the video as a link or embed it alongside other content. The preview icon in the top-right corner can play the video in a new window while in edit mode. This allows you to preview before saving.

Insert media in the editor  

With the editor, you can embed media directly by using the “Insert Media” option. This makes it easier for your course members to view the content alongside other course materials, without leaving the site.

To add media, paste the source URL in the editor, provide alternative text for screen readers or users with limited access, and select “Insert”. The editor will automatically embed the item for you.

Math editor  

You can insert math equations and formulas into tests, assignments, discussions, and journals by using the math editor. You can also type LaTeX formulas into any rich text editor where the math editor is an option. The math editor runs on any browser and operating system, including smartphones and tablets. The math editor is written by WIRIS and is based on standards set by markup languages like MathML.

Using the math editor

Access the math editor by selecting the + icon. Select “Math” in the menu.

You can access many features in the math editor by selecting different tabs at the top.

Use your keyboard to enter numbers, letters, and symbols. Select the appropriate icon in the math editor to create complex formulas, such as creating a square root.