Summary

 This article describes how to embed a PDF document on your ePortfolio page. This article will be helpful to PSU faculty users who are interested in understanding how to embed a PDF document.

 

How-To

Instructions - How to use the PDF Block

Step 1 - Login to myPortal

Step 2 - Search for Mahara ePortfolio 

Step 3 - Click through to go to Mahara You will now be looking at your Mahara portfolio's homepage.

Step 4 - Click on the Main Menu in the upper right side of the dashboard page.

Step 5 -Click on the down arrow next to the Create title.

Step 6 - Click on the Pages and Collections sub-title.

Step 7 - Click on title of the Page you want to edit.

Step 8 - Click on the Pencil Icon button (edit mode).

 

Placing "PDF" Block type on a portfolio page:

The PDF block is found under the "Media" block type on the left side of the screen once in Edit mode.

When you see your cursor turn into a crosshairs symbol  hovering over the PDF block type, you can drag and drop the PDF block type into any area on the page that appears with dash lines and filled with a light color as the cursor hovers over the area. Something like this:  Once you drop the block, the PDF block type selection screen will open up.

OR

You can click on the block type and a window will open up to ask you where you want to position the block. After selecting the location, click the "Add" button to complete the location and the block type selection screen will open up. Most people prefer the drag-and-drop feature.

Filling out the "PDF" block type configuration window:

Step 1 - Change the title of the block or to "no title" by deleting the existing title text.

Step 2 - Select the PDF file you want the viewer to see by clicking the Check Mark button to the right of the file name. Only PDF file will be displayed to choose from or you can upload a file from your computer and it will automatically be selected.

Step 3 - If comments are ON, click the pencil icon and the edit file screen will open. Here you can change the file name, give a description to the file and turn comments OFF. Click the Save Changes button and this will save any edit changes to the file.

Step 4 - Retract the block can be set to manually (Yes), automatically or No (default setting) retracting. After you save your changes, test the retractable option by clicking the "Display Page" tab next to "Edit Content" tab. if set to Yes, click the down arrow (V) to the right of the "Note Block Title" to retract the block. If set to automatically, click the left arrow (<) to the right of the "Note block Title" to expand the block. Click the "edit" button in the upper right side of the screen to get back into "Edit" mode.

Step 5 - Click the Save button when done.

Outcome

Users can expect to understand how to embed a PDF document into their ePortfolio page.

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.