Blocks FAQ

I can't find a block I want to add!

Check the section Unneeded blocks to see if it does not display by default in your theme.
Check the context. Not all blocks make sense to be added in all contexts. See Blocks not available on the Dashboard.

How do I hide front page blocks from non-logged-in users?

Click the "Turn editing on" button at the top-right of the front page (you need to be logged in as an administrator)
In the actions menu in the block header, click Permissions'
In the View block section, click the X next to Guest
Click the "Save changes" button.

How do I show front page blocks to guests and hide them from logged in users?

Click the "Turn editing on" button at the top-right of the front page (you need to be logged in as an administrator)
In the actions menu in the block header, click Permissions'
In the View block section, click the X next to authenticated user
Click the "Save changes" button

How do I get rid of a link in "Site Pages" in the Navigation block?

When a resource or activity (like a page, file or forum) is added to the Main menu block on the front page, it will appear in the Site Pages of the Navigation block. If you need the item but don't want it to display then go to Site administration > Appearance > Navigation and uncheck "show front page activities in the navigation". If you no longer want the item then turn on the editing on the front page, go to or add the Main menu block and click to delete the item.

How do I make a front page block visible to teachers but not students?

It is possible to control who sees block on the front page. The following applies to any specified group of people, not just teachers and students.

Ensure you have hidden your block from non-logged in users as in the instructions above
In Site administration > Users > Permissions > Define roles, click on "authenticated user on the front page"
In the context type, select "block"
Set moodle/block:view to "allow"
Click "Save changes"
Turn editing on on your front page.
Click the "assign roles " icon on your block
Click the blue words of "authenticated user on the front page" to access the screen where you can choose who you want to allow to see this block (such as your teachers) by moving them from the right hand box to the left
Now click "Permissions" in your block's Administration settings
Click the X next to "authenticated user" to prevent them viewing this block
From now on, regular authenticated users will not be able to see the block - however, those who have been given the role of "authenticated user on the front page" will be able to see it.

How do I make a block in my course visible to teachers but not students?

Here are two suggestions:

Add a block to a page which only teachers can see, for example /grade/report/grader/index.php You could add a comments block for teachers to discuss and moderate each other's grades. Alternatively, you could add an HTML block to /badges/index.php with badge issuing policies. A block may also be added to enrol/users.php for notes or comments regarding enrolments.
Add a block to the main course page and ask your administrator change permissions and prevent authenticated users and students (also guests) from viewing the block but allow teachers. (A regular teacher cannot change permissions of authenticated users.)

How can I change a block item name from a list inside a block?

You can change an item name in Site Administration > Language> Language customisation Select the 'moodle.php' file then search for the words you need to alter.

How do I make a block "sticky"?

See Block settings. Using the edit icon in the block heading, go to the configuration page. Look for the "Where this block appears" group and "Display on page types". Depending upon your current context and permissions, you will see different options. One maybe "All pages" or "Any type of course main page", and others.

Where did that block come from? I do not want it!

Your site administrator or some one with more permissions than you decided that block should be there. It is possible to force a block to appear on other pages. For example, a site administrator my force a HTML block on every main course page and determine where it will be, so they may put site messages there.

The site administrator can tell where every instance of a block appears via Managing blocks.

How can I decide the order in which blocks are docked?

Blocks are "docked", from top to bottom (usually on the left) in the order in which you dock them.

How can I add a block to all user profile pages?

See User profiles for instructions.

How can I prevent users from adding blocks to their dashboard page?

See Dashboard for instructions.

How do I un-hide the administration block?

Go to http://yourmoodlesite.org/admin/blocks.php
Unhide the administration block by clicking the closed eye icon opposite it

I deleted the navigation (or administration) block. How do I get it back?

Go to Administration > Site administration > Plugins > Blocks > Manage blocks (or via the URL http://yourmoodlesite.org/admin/blocks.php) and unprotect the navigation block by clicking the padlock icon
Turn editing on in any course
Go to the front page and use the 'Add a block' dropdown menu to add a navigation block there, setting it to display throughout the entire site
Go back to Administration > Site administration > Plugins > Blocks > Manage blocks and re-protect the navigation block.

The above method works the same for the navigation and administration blocks.

How can I add a Twitter feed block?

An HTML block can be used to display the latest tweets from any Twitter account. See HTML block for details.

Documentation