Create and save new items

You can create new items within folders.

  1. Locate your assigned item writing folder and click to highlight it.

  2. At the top of the left sidebar, click the Create New Item button .

  3. Select Multiple Choice or Item Set from the question type options in the main panel to the right.
  4. Enter a name for your item using the convention: FirstInitialLastName_#. For example: John Smith’s first item would be called JSmith_1.

  5. Enter item content or save the blank item.

Your new item is created in Draft status.

Save and close an item

Saving an item stores it for future use and editing, and creates a new item version. Any changes made to the item prior to saving are visible the next time you open the item.

Click the Save button at the bottom of the screen.

You can now move to another item, keep working in this item, or close the item. To close an item, click the x button . If you have unsaved changes when closing, a dialog box displays.

  • Choose to Save the item or Discard Changes before exiting.

  • Click Cancel to continue working in the item.

Items remain locked if you leave the item or close the browser without saving or discarding changes. Click here for information on unlocking items.

The new, saved item version reflects your changes since the item's last save.

Item locking

Items are locked for editing when a someone is working in them or when they are in an active task. In Item Authoring, save or discard your changes before closing the item or exiting Surpass. If the item is in a task. finalize the task. This unlocks the item for other editors.

Locked items

You can see if an item is locked from editing in the item list.

Opening the item will show you who is editing the locked item. Locked items are only available in Preview mode.

Before exiting Surpass or moving to another subject while editing, it is a good idea to check that you have not accidentally locked any items.

Unlocking items

If you have been assigned to review an item in Item Authoring and it is showing that it is being edited by another user, contact your Editor.

If you are the user identified in a locked item, open the item and see if the Save button is active (blue).

  • Save button is active: This indicates that there are unsaved changes. Verify the item content and Save or Discard Changes to clear the lock.
  • Save button is greyed out: If the Save button is inactive, add and remove a space in any text field, then click the x at the bottom. Choose to Save or Discard Changes, and wait for the item to refresh and clear the lock.