---
title: "What are blocks?"
slug: "what-are-blocks"
tags: ["Explainer", "Totara Platform"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:06Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:06Z
canonical: "totara.help/what-are-blocks"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://totara.help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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.

Currently blocks cannot be added to some pages.

![A dashboard with three different blocks: a Calendar block, a Current Learning block, and a My Learning block.](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1727446736224.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)

## Hiding blocks

A user can choose to hide a block from their own display by selecting the minus icon (![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1635173906618.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)) 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 (![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1635173879434.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)).

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

## Docking blocks

A user can also choose to move a block to the docking area by selecting the **Dock** icon (![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1635173803772.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)) 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 (![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1635173815449.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)).

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 (![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/add_block.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T06%3A27%3A10Z&se=2026-11-06T07%3A27%3A10Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=iD3SoTUBMe%2FLAcmtnx5OZvJyoO7dhg0ljlfG3xNMHJo%3D)).

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

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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