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D2L Help > MSU Documentation > Tools and Tips >

Custom Navbars in D2L

Custom Navbars in D2L

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MSU provides a default course Navbar and several alternative templates. However, instructors may choose to create a custom navbar to better support their course structure and highlight key tools for students.

How to Create a Custom Navbar

  1. Log into your course in D2L.
  2. Go to the Course Admin page.
  3. Select Navigation and Themes.
  4. Click the dropdown arrow next to the desired template and select Copy.
  5. Click the copied navbar to edit it.
    1. Here you can:
      1. Rename the navbar
      2. Add, remove, or rearrange the navbar links
      3. enter a description (optional)
  6. Once your changes are complete, click Save and Close.
  7. From the Active Navbar menu, select your custom navbar and click Apply.

Note: While instructors can create a custom navbar from scratch, this is generally not recommended. Starting from a template significantly reduces setup time, especially when configuring dropdown menus like Assessments. 

Navbar_Screenshot_2025-08-22_14-47-15

How to add links to Custom Navbar

Once you've created a custom navbar, you can add links to tools or resources that are important for your course. 

  1. Log into your course in D2L.
  2. Go to Course Admin.
  3. Select Navigation and Themes.
  4. Click on your custom navbar.
  5. Choose Add Links.
  6. Find and select desired link (e.g., "Mediaspace Course Gallery (LTI 1.3)").
  7. Click Add, then Save and Close.
Add_Link_2025-08-22_14-47-40

Tip: You can add multiple links at once and then rearrange them by dragging and dropping them within the navbar editor.