Integrating OpenStax textbooks with your learning management system

How can I integrate OpenStax materials into my LMS?

OpenStax textbooks can be integrated into your learning management system (LMS) in several ways, depending on the textbook and the resources you want to use. Options may include linking directly to the online textbook, using OpenStax Assignable, importing an available course cartridge/package, or uploading the PDF.

Online View

You can add links to the online version of an OpenStax textbook directly to your LMS. Links to individual chapters and sections can be copied from the textbook and added to your course. OpenStax textbook URLs remain the same when textbook content is updated, so you do not need to update your links when a new version of the textbook is published.

PDF Format

You can download the free PDF version of an OpenStax textbook and upload it to your LMS. Keep in mind that OpenStax textbook PDFs can be large files. Your LMS may have file-size limitations, so check with your institution or LMS administrator if you have difficulty uploading the PDF.

OpenStax Assignable

For supported titles, OpenStax Assignable allows instructors to create and customize assignments using OpenStax content and integrate them into their LMS. Visit the OpenStax Assignable webpage for more information about availability, setup, and LMS integration.

Course Cartridges/Packages

Course cartridges/packages are available for many OpenStax textbooks and can be imported into supported learning management systems. These files contain individual links to the chapters of the OpenStax textbook, allowing you to organize access to the textbook content within your LMS.

Important: OpenStax course cartridges/packages contain links to the textbook content. They do not include the additional materials available under the Instructor Resources tab, such as .docx, .pptx, .pdf, or Google Forms files. Available resources vary by textbook. Visit your textbook’s Details page and select Instructor Resources to see the resources available for your title.

If you would like to use these additional Instructor Resources in your LMS, they must be downloaded separately and may need to be converted to an LMS-compatible format. OpenStax does not currently provide LMS-compatible versions of all Instructor Resources. We recommend contacting your institution’s LMS support team, technical support team, or IT administrator for assistance with converting or importing these files.