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Canvas LMS Feature Options
Canvas LMS Feature Options
This document includes the Feature Options supported by Canvas and updated in specified Canvas release notes.
Feature options allow institutions to enable newly developed Canvas functionality according to their preferred time frame.
Unless otherwise indicated, all feature options are opt-in and do not require any action by a Canvas admin until a feature’s enforcement date is announced.
Unless otherwise indicated, all features are also supported in the Beta environment and Test environment.
- Feature Options Summary
- Feature Preview Information
- Account Features
- Feature Previews
- Optional Features
- Enabled by Default Features
- CSM Configuration Features
- Course Features
- Feature Previews
- Optional Features
Feature Options Summary
Feature options originate at the account or course level. The following tables summarize the feature option name, its status, and enforcement information. ALL features noted below are available in the production environment.
- To view details about any feature option, click the feature option name.
- The release date indicates the date of general availability for feature use in the production environment.
- Unless otherwise indicated, account features default to Off, and course features default to Off and Unlocked.
- Features may only be available at the course level if unlocked at the account level.
Feature Preview Information
A Feature Preview indicates a feature option in active development. Users who opt in to the feature and join the Community user group can help improve the feature through direct feedback.
Preview Release Updates
Enabling a feature preview provides early access to ongoing improvements, and all updates to the feature will be displayed automatically in the production environment.
Feature options with a feature preview status are initially introduced in the corresponding deploy notes for a Canvas deploy. Subsequent updates are either available in the deploy notes (if aligned with the deploy cycle) or the feature preview user group.
Updates are also posted in the Related Releases section in Canvas Releases & Deploys.
Note: Feature options with a feature preview status are not posted in the release notes until the feature option is ready to be announced for general use.
Account Features
Some account features are only available in the Feature Options tab in Account Settings after they have been configured by a Customer Success Manager. Additionally, only admins who have permission to view Feature Options can view the Feature Options tab.
| Feature Option Name | Release Date | Enforcement Info (see Upcoming Canvas Changes) |
| Account and Course Level Outcome Mastery Scales | 2020-12-21 | Must be configured by a Customer Success Manager (CSM) |
| Improved Outcomes Management | 2021-09-18 |
Must be configured by a Customer Success Manager (CSM) |
| Microsoft Group Enrollment Syncing | 2021-07-15 | This Feature Option displays the Integrations Tab: enforcement 2022-04-16 |
| Apply Score to Ungraded Assignments | 2022-04-16 | |
| Emojis in Submission Comments | 2022-04-16 |
Feature Previews
The following account feature options are feature previews, which means they are in active development.
Enabling one of these features provides early access to ongoing improvements, and all updates to the feature will be displayed automatically in the production environment.
User Groups
Customers who choose to enable a feature preview in the production environment should join the user group and subscribe to the change log to stay current with upcoming features and their release dates.
| Feature Option Name | User Group |
| Course Pacing | Course Pacing User Group |
Optional Features
Currently Canvas contains several feature options that will never be enforced and will eventually be converted to an Account setting.
Feature descriptions can be located in What feature options are currently available for an entire Canvas account?
Enabled by Default Features
The following optional features currently default to On for each account. Admins who have permission to manage Feature Options can opt out of the following features by accessing the Feature Options tab in Account Settings.
|
Feature Option Name |
Release Date |
|
Allow Sub-Account Selection when Users Manually Create Courses |
2021-11-20 |
|
Automatic Mobile App Login |
2021-05-26 |
|
Comment Library |
2021-06-19 |
|
Embedded Release Notes |
2021-06-19 |
CSM Configuration Features
The following optional features must be configured by a Canvas Customer Success Manager (CSM) before they can be turned on for an institution. Canvas admins can contact their CSMs for assistance.
|
Feature Option Name |
Release Date |
|
Enable New SIS Integration Setting |
2017-04-22 |
|
K12 Specific Features |
2014-09-16 |
Course Features
Course features are only available in the Feature Options tab in Course Settings after they have been unlocked at the account level. Additionally, only users who have permission to view Feature Options can view the Feature Options tab.
|
Feature Option Name |
Release Date |
Enforcement Info (see Upcoming Canvas Changes) |
|
2018-07-01 |
2024 June |
*Feature development involves direct user feedback; reference the Canvas Feature Previews section. However, updates are included in the Canvas release cycle.
Feature Previews
The following course feature options are feature previews, which means they are in active development.
Enabling one of these features provides early access to ongoing improvements, and all updates to the feature will be displayed automatically in the production environment.
User Groups
Customers who choose to enable a feature preview in the production environment should join the user group and subscribe to the change log to stay current with upcoming features and their release dates.
|
Feature Option Name |
User Group |
*Feature involves user feedback, though updates are included in the Canvas release cycle.
Optional Features
Currently Canvas contains several feature options that will never be enforced and will eventually be converted to an Account or Course setting.
Feature descriptions can be located in What feature options are currently available for Canvas courses?
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Canvas GuidesFind answers in the Canvas guides.
-
Additional Product GuidesFind answers in the Additional Product guides.
-
Canvas Release NotesLearn about new and updated Canvas features.
-
Additional Product Release NotesLearn about new and updated Additional Product features.
-
Ask a QuestionPost your question to get help from fellow Community members.
-
Explore GroupsFind others who share your interests and share your own experiences.
- Canvas Release Notes (2022-06-18) in Canvas Releases
- Canvas Release Notes 2022-05-21 in Canvas Releases
- Canvas Deploy Notes (2022-04-27) in Canvas Releases
- Feature Option Overview: Check Permissions when Masquerading as Course Admins in Canvas Releases
- Canvas Deploy Notes (2022-04-13) in Canvas Releases
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