Moodle Format: Custom Sections

Summary

The Custom Sections format allows instructors to organize course content into uniquely styled sections that can follow a thematic, project-based, or competency-driven structure. Each section may include resources, assignments, and activities grouped according to the instructor’s chosen logic.

Body

Overview

The Custom Sections format allows instructors to organize course content into uniquely styled sections that can follow a thematic, project-based, or competency-driven structure. Each section may include resources, assignments, and activities grouped according to the instructor’s chosen logic.

Configuring the Custom Sections Format

The Custom Sections format looks almost identical to the Weekly format; the only difference being custom sections is not dependent on the course start date. Below includes instructions for changing the course format.

  1. Click the Settings tab at the top of the course page.
  2. Scroll to and expand the Course format section.
  3. In the Format drop-down menu, select the Custom sections format.
  4. Adjust the following settings:
    • Hidden sections: Hidden sections can be displayed to students as 'not available' on the course page, or kept completely hidden. 
    • Course layout: Course sections can be displayed all in one page or split over several pages.
  5. Select one of the Save buttons at the bottom of the page.

Renaming Sections

  1. Toggle Edit mode in the upper-right corner of your course page.
  2. Next to the section title, click the pencil (✏️) icon.
  3. Type in the new section name and press Enter on your keyboard to save.

Image Reference

Below is an example image of a course using Custom Sections format.
Image of a course front page with the Custom Sections course format.

Questions?

If you need further assistance or have specific questions that aren't covered in this article, please don't hesitate to reach out for personalized support by submitting a Moodle Support ticket.

Acknowledgements 

Contributions from Carly Born, Em Palencia, Don Vosburg, Sam Johnson-Lacoss ’24, Seth Bonney ’27 and Josh Xiang ‘29.

Details

Details

Article ID: 168386
Created
Fri 8/22/25 3:34 PM
Modified
Thu 2/19/26 11:45 AM

Related Articles

Related Articles (5)

The Buttons course format in Moodle creates a navigation menu using clickable buttons, allowing users to access course sections one at a time.
This course format allows for collapsable and nestable sections.
The Tiles course format displays each course section as a tile; clicking a tile reveals the associated activities while creating a dark overlay to the rest of the course page.
The Weekly course format organizes course sections by date ranges, but instructors can customize section titles as needed.
Learn the different ways you can change the look and feel of your Moodle course page.

Related Services / Offerings

Related Services / Offerings (1)

Request Moodle configuration assistance, and more advanced Moodle support.