Catalog Release Notes (2025-10-13)
Release notes outline upcoming customer-impacting changes that are expected to be displayed in production environments. Please note that features considered for future development are not included in the notes.
Canvas Catalog is an all-in-one learning solution that integrates with the Canvas LMS as a course registration system, payment gateway, and learning platform. Learn more about Canvas Catalog.
Unless otherwise stated, all features in this release are available in the Beta environment on 2025-10-07 and the Production environment on 2025-10-13.
New Features |
Abandoned Cart Nudge Email Reminders
Summary
Canvas Catalog expanded the Nudging feature to include automated outreach based on abandoned carts.
Change Benefit
This feature empowers admins to automate timely engagement, recover lost revenue opportunities, and drive higher course completion through targeted learner communication.
Feature Workflow
Abandoned Cart Nudges automatically re-engage students who leave items in their cart without enrolling. After a set delay, they receive a personalized email with cart details and a link to complete checkout, helping reduce drop-off and recover lost revenue.
In Catalog settings, open the Customizations menu [1] and then click the Abandoned Cart Nudge Email link [2]. To customize the nudge email, click the Create Email button [3]. To preview the email template, click the Show Preview button [4].
Admins can make the necessary changes to the email using supported variables.
Abandoned Cart Email Variables
- {{cart_abandonment_date}}
- {{days_since_abandonment}}
- {{recover_cart_link}}
- {{cart_items}}
- {{cart_total}}
- {{subcatalog_name_with_link}}
The preview email template gives admins a visual example of the email content and layout as it will be received by learners enrolled in the course.
Add a name [1], enable or disable the Active toggle [2], select course listings for reminder emails [3], select the minimum cart amount [4], and select timing configuration [5].
Abandoned Cart Timing Configurations
- X Days after cart abandonment: Sends a reminder days after the cart is abandoned. Good for delayed follow-ups.
- X Hours after cart abandonment: Sends a quick nudge to capitalize on recent intent.
- X Days after item added to cart: Reaches users who added an item but haven't taken further action.
- X Hours after item added to cart: Ideal for immediate engagement post cart addition.
- X Days before cart expires: Gives early warning before cart is cleared.
- X Hours before cart expires: Creates urgency right before cart expiration.
If admins want to further refine abandoned cart settings, they can define either Inclusion or Exclusion rules. The Inclusion rule enables messages to be sent to users who removed one or more items from their cart [6], while the Exclusion rule prevents messages from being delivered to learners who have enrolled in any course since abandoning their cart [7].
The Automations page lists the nudges in the Catalog account. The table includes the nudge name [1], the Active toggle [2], the minimum amount [3], the timing configuration [4], the type [5], the creation date [6], the listings included in the reminder email [7].
The Nudges tab in the Analytics menu includes support for behavior-based nudge types. To view the analytics for abandoned carts, open the Abandoned Cart Nudges drop-down menu [1].
- Total Nudges Sent [2]: Displays the total number of automated cart reminder emails sent.
- Cart Recovery Rate [3]: Displays the effectiveness of nudges in driving conversions.
- Avg. Time Between Abandonment and Nudge [4]: Average delay between abandonment and nudge delivery.
- Most Abandoned Listing [5]: Top course/program listing most often abandoned in carts.
The table includes the student name, catalog name, email address, the date the email was sent, and automation [6].
Note: Admins can view Abandoned Cart Nudges analytics by clicking the View Analytics button in the Abandoned Cart Nudge Automatics page.
Customizable Instructor Label Field
Summary
Catalog admins can customize the Instructor label field. This allows replacing the default Instructor text with alternative titles such as Facilitator, Teacher, or any preferred term.
Note: If this setting is not explicitly defined for a subcatalog, it will inherit the setting from the parent catalog.
Change Benefit
This update supports consistent, institution-specific terminology and improves clarity for learners by aligning course labels with the language commonly used in each catalog.
Workflow
In the Catalog or Subcatalog Catalog Info page, admins can customize the Instructor label.
By default, the Instructor Label field is titled Instructor.
Admins can customize the Instructor Label field with alternative titles such as Facilitator, Teacher, or any preferred term.
If Inherit Parent Setting is not explicitly defined for a subcatalog, it will inherit the setting from the parent catalog.
Change Log
2025-10-08