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Managing a Blueprint Course

A Blueprint course in Canvas LMS functions as the master template for course content and structure across associated (“child”) courses. Individuals responsible for maintaining a Blueprint course ensure consistency and alignment across multiple sections.

Blueprint courses manage:

  • Course content (modules, pages, assignments, quizzes, discussions)
  • Selected settings

They do not manage:

  • Enrollments
  • Student submissions
  • Grades in associated courses

The Blueprint Workflow

Request → Build/Edit → Configure → Review → Sync → Confirm → Maintain

Use the steps below to manage your Blueprint course effectively.

1. REQUEST

Learn more about and request a blueprint course by visiting our Canvas blueprint page. 

2. BUILD / EDIT (Prepare Your Blueprint Course)

After receiving your Blueprint course:

Inside your Blueprint course, you may update:

  • Modules
  • Assignments
  • Pages
  • Discussions
  • Quizzes
  • Due dates
  • Course settings

⚠️ Important: Complete major structural work at this stage.
This includes merging any courses that will be tied to the Blueprint. Merging after association is difficult and not recommended.

3. CONFIGURE (Before Association & Sync)

Before courses can be associated and the initial sync completed, you must provide the following:

Associated Courses

Submit the course codes (CRNs or SIS IDs) for all courses that should be linked to your Blueprint.

Locking Preferences

Indicate which elements should be locked in associated courses.

Blueprint Setting:

  • Enable course as a Blueprint Course

Locking Options:

  • Content
  • Points
  • Due Dates
  • Availability Dates
  • Locked Objects by Type (optional)

🔒 Locked content:

  • Cannot be edited in associated courses
  • Will be overwritten during sync

🔓 Unlocked content:

  • Can be edited in associated courses
  • Will not be overridden during sync

📸 Insert screenshot: Lock icon example

4. REVIEW (Pre-Sync Check)

Before the initial sync:

  • Double-check due dates
  • Confirm grading settings
  • Review module organization
  • Ensure content is finalized
  • Consider the impact if courses are already active

5. SYNC (Initial Sync – Admin)

Once you have:

  • Submitted associated courses
  • Provided locking preferences

The ECAT team will:

  • Associate courses with your Blueprint
  • Run the initial sync

6. CONFIRM (Post-Sync Verification)

After the initial sync:

  • Review associated courses
  • Confirm content transferred correctly
  • Verify locks and settings are applied

Check:

  • Modules and structure
  • Assignment settings
  • Due dates and availability

7. MAINTAIN (Ongoing Updates)

After the initial sync, you are responsible for maintaining your Blueprint course.

  • Make updates in the Blueprint course
  • Sync changes to associated courses as needed using the Canvas tutorial on how to sync course content.

Keep in Mind

  • Only locked content will update in associated courses
  • Unlocked content can be edited and will not be overwritten

Best Practices

  • Complete setup before association and initial sync
  • Avoid syncing during heavy grading periods
  • Lock only what must remain consistent
  • Communicate major updates to instructors
  • Review Blueprint courses each term

Instructor Resource (For Associated Courses)

If you are working with instructors teaching in associated courses, you may wish to share the following resource with them.

This video explains how Blueprint courses function from an instructor perspective, including what content can and cannot be edited.

Canvas Overview Video: Using Blueprint Courses as an Instructor

Need Help?

If you experience sync issues or unexpected behavior:

  • Check Sync History
  • Verify content lock settings
  • Contact the ECAT team at ecat@montana.edu