Add a Custom Link to the Canvas Course Navigation with the Redirect Tool

Overview

The Redirect Tool can be used to add external links to the Canvas course navigation. This can be useful to add an external website that students need to access frequently. The Redirect Tool app has been installed in all University of Oregon's Canvas sites. This article explains the steps to add a custom link (URL) to a Canvas course navigation using the Redirect Tool. 

Note: You may use the Redirect Tool to link to a Canvas URL (i.e., Canvas course Pages, Modules, Assignments, Files, etc.) but students must have access to the resource you are pointing them to. If the Redirect tool is used to point to Canvas specific URLs, be sure to hide the links in future Canvas course imports.

How to use the Redirect Tool 

  1. Click on Settings from the course navigation.
  2. Click on the Apps tab across the top.
  3. Click on the Redirect Tool.
  4. Click on the +Add App button.
    The blue +Add App button for the Redirect Tool is highlighted in red.
  5. Complete the information in the Add App window.
    1. Enter the Name for the link. This is what appears in the course navigation. 
    2. Enter the URL Redirect. Include the https:// prefix.
    3. Check or uncheck the box for (Optional) Force open in new tab (For External Links Only). Leave it unchecked if you would like the site to open within the Canvas interface.
    4. Select Show in Course Navigation.
  6. Click on Add App.
    The Add App dialog box example.
  7. The link now appears in the course navigation at the bottom. You can go into your navigation settings to rearrange it.
    The link for UO One Stop Student Resources appears in the course navigation.
Note: Instructors are unable to fully delete or edit any Redirect links once they have been made. However, it is possible to hide the links so that they do not appear in the Course Navigation for students. If you would like a Redirect link to be removed entirely, you need to submit a ticket from the Canvas Support Services page. 
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Canvas Support Services
Request support with Canvas and Instructional Design. Some of the areas of support are: Canvas tools, setting up a Canvas course site, help with instructional design.