Canvas Redirect Tool

The Redirect Tool allows you to add your own custom link to your Canvas course navigation menu (the left-hand navigation menu). If you have an external website that you would like students to access on a regular basis, you can use the Redirect Tool to reduce the number of clicks that it takes for students to find the frequently-used content.

Access

The Redirect Tool LTI is already installed in all Canvas courses. To use the Redirect Tool, go to the Apps tab in the course Settings.

Instructions

You will need to add the Redirect Tool for each custom link that you wish to add to the course navigation menu.

Adding the Redirect Tool

1. Select Settings on the course menu.
2. Select the Apps tab.
3. On the Apps page click the Redirect Tool icon. (Large blue curved arrow.)
4. On the External Tools > Redirect Tool page click  +Add App.
5. Complete the information in the Add App window.
   1. Title to show in the Course Menu.
   2. The internal or external url.
   3. Whether the link should open in Canvas or a new tab.
   4. Select Show in course menu.
6. Click Add App.
7. Return to the site Homepage > Course Menu and select the (titled) Redirect Tool to confirm the link is going to the correct source.

Sources configured to open in a new window will present the user with a blank Canvas page and an Open in New Tab button.

Positioning the Redirect Tool in the Course Menu

1. Select Settings on the course menu.
2. Select the Navigation tab.
3. Click, hold, and drag to a location in the course menu order.
4. Click Save.

(step-by-step instructions from the University of Minnesota IT Team)