Moodle Format: Custom Sections

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.

Introduction

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.

Instructors can:

• Rename section titles to match their preferred structure (e.g., Module 1, Project A, Unit: Competencies).

• Hide entire sections or individual activities. When hidden, section titles remain visible, but contents are not accessible to students.

• Control the number of sections and how they display on the course page.

Students can click a section title to expand and view its materials if available.

Configuring the Custom Sections Format

1. Click Settings.

2. Scroll to and expand the Course format section.

3. In the Format drop-down menu, select Custom sections.

Display Options: "Show one section per page"

• When enabled, the course home page shows a list of section names with any summaries. Students can click a section name to view its contents.

• Once inside a section, only that section is shown. Students can navigate using the Next ▶︎ and ◀︎ Previous section links, or via the Course index sidebar.

• If editing is enabled, instructors will still see all content across all sections on the main page.

4. Scroll down and click Save and display (or any Save button).
    

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.

Reference

Below is an example image of a course using Custom Sections format:

Questions?

Submit a Moodle Support ticket. 

Acknowledgement 

Created by Carly Born, Fri 7/30/21. Last modified by Sam Johnson-Lacoss '24, Mon 9/12/22. Updated by Seth Bonney ’27, Aug. 2025.