What are blocks?

Blocks are individual items of additional content (such as information or links) which can be added to a range of pages and dashboards in Totara.

For example, a Course completion status block may be added to a course page so that Learners can quickly access and view their course progress, or a Calendar block might be added to the site front page so that site users can see a list of upcoming events.

Hiding blocks

A user can choose to hide a block from their own display by selecting the minus icon () within the header of the corresponding block. The Hide option collapses the content of the block, but the block header (where shown) will still display. Blocks can be re-added, or shown, by using the plus icon ().

Docking blocks

A user can also choose to move a block to the docking area by selecting the Dock icon () within the corresponding block header. A docked block can be viewed by clicking on its title within the docking area. Blocks can be moved back to main area of the page using the Undock icon ().

Individual blocks can be prevented from being docked by users via the block Configuration settings.

Block headers

The block header area is where (by default) a Block Title displays and where the Hide, Show, Move and Configure icons are located. A block header can be removed from all users' view within the block's Configuration settings under Block appearance (when in editing mode).

Block borders

A block border is the outline around the contents of a block.

A block border can be removed from all users' view within the block's Configuration settings under Block appearance (when in editing mode).

Block regions

A block region is an area within the front page, a course or dashboard where a block can be added and displayed. 

Available block regions are shown when in editing mode and indicated by a rectangle with a dotted outline and the plus icon ().

Block regions are available on the left, right and (within dashboards and the front page) centre areas.