This Excel-based tool helps lecturers quickly create quiz question banks compatible with Arc (Brightspace D2L) using CSV import. Designed around Question Library formatting rules, the workbook allows you to build quizzes using structured templates, drop-down lists, and contextual help — all within a user-friendly Excel environment.
Click the link below to download the Brightspace Quiz Creation Tool (Excel .xlsm format):
👉 Download Workbook (Brightspace_Quiz_Creation_Tool.xlsm)
⚠️ After downloading, please make sure to enable macros when opening the file in Excel.
This workbook allows you to:
- Build Brightspace-compatible CSV question files using preformatted Excel templates.
- Choose from supported question types: True/False, Multiple Choice, Multi-Select, Matching, Ordering, and more.
- Export your quiz sheets as CSV (UTF-8), ready for upload to Arc (Brightspace).
- Use drop-downs and built-in macros to manage question formatting with ease.
- View detailed guidance, tips, and field explanations in-sheet.
- Download the latest
.xlsmfile from this repository. (link shared above) - Enable Macros when prompted (this is required for buttons to work).
- Open the workbook and go to the
emptysheet. - Click the large "Add New Quiz Sheet" button to begin creating your quiz.
- In your new sheet (e.g.,
quiz1,lu1_theme1), click cell A1 and use the + button to insert a question template. - Fill in the fields in Column B. Click ? for contextual help as needed.
- When done, copy Columns A–E into a new workbook and save as CSV UTF-8.
- Upload the CSV file to Brightspace using the Import tool in the Question Library.
| Sheet Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
how to |
Front page guide for using the tool. |
quest types |
Details all supported Brightspace question types, including use cases and time estimates. |
field guide |
Explains the meaning and use of each CSV field (column), including required values. |
sample |
Raw CSV data exported from Brightspace, for comparison/reference. |
empty |
Source of all available templates. Includes the Add New Quiz Sheet button. |
quiz_template |
Pre-formatted empty layout with buttons for inserting, deleting, or getting help on questions. |
quiz, quiz1 |
User-generated sheets that contain your quiz content and inserted question templates. |
- Only edit the
quiz,quiz1, etc. sheets. Avoid modifyingquiz_template,empty, or helper sheets unless you're customizing. - Use drop-downs for fields like Scoring and Difficulty to ensure valid entries.
- Always Save your work before exporting to prevent macro-related data loss.
- Leave a blank row between questions for readability (the template questions already contain a blank row).
- If a sheet breaks, copy a fresh one from
quiz_template.
To upload to Arc Brightspace:
- Copy the relevant rows (A to E) from your quiz sheet.
- Paste into a new workbook.
- Save that file as CSV UTF-8.
- Import into Brightspace using the Upload File option in the Question Library.
Contributions, ideas, and improvements are welcome! Please:
- Submit issues or feature requests via the Issues tab.
- Fork the repository and submit a pull request if you'd like to improve the tool.
- Reach out in person or via email/chat if you're part of our academic team.
This tool is not affiliated with or officially supported by Brightspace/D2L. It was developed to streamline internal workflow for academic staff using Arc (Brightspace D2L) at the IIE Varsity College.
Released under the MIT License. Feel free to reuse, adapt, and enhance with credit.
Dr. Jennifer Lynn Wagner. D2L Brightspace Tips: Sample Question Import CSV File. [online]. Available at: https://jenniferlynnwagner.com/d2l-question-import.html [Accessed 24 April 2025].
D2L Knowledge, 2025. Import questions into the Question Library. [online]. Available at: https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/3411-import-questions-into-the-question-library [Accessed 1 May 2025].
D2L Knowledge, 2025. Creating Question Library questions. [online]. Available at: https://community.d2l.com/brightspace/kb/articles/3410-creating-question-library-questions [Accessed 1 May 2025].
OpenAI, 2025. ChatGPT – AI-powered assistance for development and documentation. [online]. Available at: https://openai.com/chatgpt [Accessed 5 May 2025].