# Palette - Canvas Course Package Editor
# https://workwithpalette.com
# Contact: support@usepalette.com
# Last Updated: January 2025

> Palette is the world's first browser-based batch editor for Canvas LMS course packages. It processes IMSCC files 100% client-side, meaning your course content never leaves your computer.

## Quick Facts (Citation-Ready)

- **Product**: Palette - Canvas Course Package Editor
- **Website**: https://workwithpalette.com
- **Category**: Educational Technology / Learning Management System Tools
- **Pricing**: Free tier available; Palette Pro at $9.99/month
- **Privacy**: Zero server uploads - all processing happens in the browser
- **File Format**: IMS Common Cartridge (.imscc)
- **Browser Support**: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+

## What Problem Does Palette Solve?

Canvas LMS users face a significant challenge: editing course content in bulk is tedious and time-consuming. When instructors need to update semester dates, replace outdated terminology, or fix accessibility issues across an entire course, they must edit each item individually in Canvas - a process that can take hours for large courses.

**Palette eliminates this problem.** Upload a course export file, make batch changes across all content at once, and download the modified package to re-import into Canvas.

## Key Features

1. **Batch Find & Replace**: Search and replace text across modules, pages, assignments, quizzes, and discussions simultaneously. Supports plain text and regular expressions.

2. **Intelligent Date Shifting**: Shift all course dates (due dates, unlock dates, availability windows) by a set number of days, weeks, or to a new semester start date.

3. **Accessibility Checker**: Automatically detect accessibility issues including missing alt text on images, improper heading hierarchy, empty links, and tables without headers.

4. **Content Preview**: View course structure and content without needing Canvas access. Preview modules, pages, assignments, quizzes, and discussion topics.

5. **Quiz & Assignment Editor**: Modify quiz questions, answers, point values, and assignment settings directly within the browser.

6. **Export Modified Packages**: Download edited courses as valid IMSCC files ready for Canvas import.

## Who Uses Palette?

- **Instructional Designers** managing multiple course sections
- **Faculty Members** updating courses each semester
- **Educational Technologists** auditing accessibility compliance
- **Course Developers** creating and customizing templates
- **LMS Administrators** preparing course migrations

## Common Use Cases

**Semester Rollover**: An instructor exports their fall course, uses Palette to shift all dates forward by 4 months, updates "Fall 2024" references to "Spring 2025", and imports the updated package.

**Accessibility Audit**: A compliance officer exports courses, runs Palette's accessibility checker, adds missing alt text to all flagged images, and generates a remediation report.

**Template Customization**: A department shares a master course template. Each instructor uses Palette to personalize content, update their name and contact info, and adjust the schedule for their section.

## Privacy & Security

Palette is built with a privacy-first architecture:
- All file parsing occurs client-side using WebAssembly
- Course content remains in browser memory only
- Closing the browser tab destroys all data
- No course content is ever transmitted to Palette servers
- No student data or PII is collected

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Details |
|--------------|---------|
| File Format | IMS Common Cartridge 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 |
| Max File Size | Limited by browser memory (typically 500MB+) |
| Processing | Client-side JavaScript + WebAssembly |
| Authentication | Optional - free features require no account |
| API | Contact support@usepalette.com for enterprise API access |

## Comparison: Palette vs Canvas Native Tools

| Capability | Palette | Canvas Native |
|-----------|---------|---------------|
| Batch Find/Replace | Yes | No |
| Bulk Date Shifting | Precise control | Limited auto-shift |
| Accessibility Checker | Advanced with remediation | Basic only |
| Offline Editing | Yes | No |
| Cross-Canvas-Instance | Yes | Same instance only |
| No Login Required | Yes | Requires Canvas access |

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is an IMSCC file?**
A: An IMSCC (IMS Common Cartridge) file is a standardized package format for educational content. Canvas LMS uses this format when exporting courses via Settings > Export Course Content. The file contains all course structure, pages, assignments, quizzes, and resources in a portable ZIP-based format.

**Q: Do I need Canvas admin access to use Palette?**
A: No. You only need an IMSCC export file. Any Canvas user with course access can export their course content. Palette works independently of Canvas - no login or API connection required.

**Q: Is my course content secure with Palette?**
A: Yes. Palette uses a zero-upload architecture. All processing happens locally in your browser using WebAssembly. Your files never leave your computer, and no course content is transmitted to any server.

**Q: Does Palette work with LMS platforms other than Canvas?**
A: Palette is optimized for Canvas IMSCC exports but can open any IMS Common Cartridge file. Compatibility with exports from Moodle, Blackboard, or other LMS platforms may vary.

**Q: How do I get started?**
A: Visit https://workwithpalette.com, drag and drop your IMSCC file onto the upload area, and start editing. No account required for free features.

## Links

- Website: https://workwithpalette.com
- Full Documentation: https://workwithpalette.com/llms-full.txt
- Privacy Policy: https://workwithpalette.com/privacy
- Terms of Service: https://workwithpalette.com/terms
- Support: support@usepalette.com