Upcoming Canvas Changes
2025-11-05
- Breaking Change: Boolean Values Returned as Strings in LTI 1.3 Launches
2026-01-01
- Breaking Changes: User-Agent Header Enforcement
2026-01-17
- Breaking Change: Deprecation of limit Argument
- Breaking Change: Deprecation of user.comment_bank_items_count Field
For more information, please see Instructure Enforcements, Deprecations, and Breaking Changes.
Release notes outline upcoming customer-impacting changes that are expected to display in beta and/or production environments. Please note that features considered for future development are not included in the notes.
Unless otherwise stated, all features in this release are available in the Beta environment on 2025-10-20 and the Production environment on 2025-11-15.
All Resources | Features in this release may be included in product blogs and other content areas. For all related links, view the 2025-11-15 Community tag.
- Institutions are responsible for conducting thorough evaluations of their custom CSS/JS with each release and deploy to assess potential impacts.
- Subscribe to the Canvas release notes to be notified of updates.
- For general questions related to this release, see the Canvas Release Notes FAQ
- Looking to discuss the features in the Release Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Release Notes (2025-11-15)
Table of Contents
- Upcoming Canvas Changes
- 2025-11-05
- 2026-01-01
- 2026-01-17
- New Features
- User Navigation
- Canvas Portfolio Feature Preview Concluded
- New Feature Previews
- IgniteAI Translations for Inbox, Discussions and Announcements
- IgniteAI Insights for Discussions
- IgniteAI Rubric Generator
- Feature Preview Change Log Updates
- Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader
- Comment Library Filter
- Other Updates
- Legacy Canvas Native ePortfolios
- End of Life
- Gradebook
- Improved Gradebook Performance with GraphQL Data Fetching
New Features
User Navigation
Canvas Portfolio Feature Preview Concluded
|
Beta Environment Availability |
2025-11-15 |
|
Feature Option to Enable |
N/A |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
N/A |
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Account/Course Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
User Navigation menu |
|
Free for Teacher |
Not Available |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
|
Additional Resources |
Summary
The Canvas Portfolio is no longer in feature preview and is enabled for all institutions in the User Navigation menu. It is not available for Free for Teacher accounts.
Notes:
- The updated placement will display in beta on November 15, 2025. All other features are available in beta.
- The Canvas Portfolio feature user group will close for participation on February 13, 2026. After this date, current members can continue to view information in the group in a read-only format.
- The Student ePortfolios, Student Pathways, and Canvas Program Assessment features are being deprecated. See Additional Resources for details.
Canvas offers two types of portfolios to support both learner-driven and instructor-guided use cases: Showcase Portfolios and Evaluation Portfolios. These tools support storytelling, assessment, and the validation of competencies.
Showcase Portfolios help learners tell their own stories and highlight growth beyond the classroom.
- Enable learners to build personalized portfolios organized by theme, experience, or timeline.
- Support multiple evidence types, including Canvas submissions, media uploads, and reflections.
- Let learners use tags to emphasize competencies and themes, aligning their work with personal or professional goals.
- Offer export options as PDF or HTML, and allow bulk downloading of uploaded portfolio files.
- Facilitate external sharing through public links or direct publishing to LinkedIn.
Evaluation Portfolios allow instructors to support structured assessment and track learner progress over time.
- Portfolios can be generated using one or more Canvas courses as their foundation, with links to key assignments and competencies.
- Educators can establish evidence requirements to align expectations and support consistent demonstration of competencies.
- Align portfolio evidence with institutional competencies to help learners demonstrate specific skills and knowledge.
- Monitor progress with real-time visibility into submission status and portfolio completion.
- Streamline grading by using portfolio tasks with Canvas assignments and SpeedGrader.
- Review learner reflections and narratives to better understand learning and growth.
- Support feedback and iteration with options for revisions and resubmissions.
Change Benefit
This update enhances the Canvas portfolio experience with a more intuitive design and flexible tools. Instructors can assign structured, competency-based portfolios, while learners can showcase academic and co-curricular work with features like reflections, tagging, and shareable links—supporting meaningful assessment and real-world readiness.
Feature Workflow
Portfolio Inherited Developer Keys
Canvas Portfolio is enabled by default in the User Navigation. In Developer Keys, admins can disable the LTI Client [1] and API key [2] for the institutions region. To change the placement, click the View in Canvas Apps link [3].
App Placement Modal
In the Account Settings Apps tab, admins can change the placement of the feature.
User Navigation Menu Portfolio Link
In the User Navigation menu, learners and instructors can access their Portfolio by clicking the Portfolio link.
Create Portfolio Button
To create a Showcase Portfolio as a learner, click the Create portfolio button.
Create Portfolio Fields
Learners can then add a Portfolio Name [1], Cover Image [2] and Description [3].
Add Evidence and Section Links
To include evidence in a portfolio, click the Add Evidence link [1], then choose to Add Assignment from Course [2] or Create New Evidence [3]. To organize content, click the Add Section link [4]
Add Section Modal
Learners can organize content by creating custom sections based on themes, timelines, or categories.
Portfolio Option Buttons
Once a portfolio is complete, learners can Delete [1], Export [2], Share [3], or Edit their work [4]. Portfolios can be exported in multiple formats, including PDF, HTML, or as a bulk file download. When sharing a portfolio, learners can either generate a unique public link or share directly to professional platforms like LinkedIn.
Create Evaluation Portfolio Link
As an instructor or admin, to create a guided portfolio click the Create Evaluation Portfolio button.
Select Course Modal
Instructors can connect the Evaluation Portfolio to one or more courses automatically enrolling learners to their own portfolio instance.
Create Evaluation Portfolio Fields
To create an Evaluation Portfolio, instructors can add a Portfolio Name [1], and optional Cover Image [2] and Portfolio Instructions [3].
Add Evidence and Add Section Links
To add evidence requirements, click the Add Evidence link [1]. Then, choose to Add Assignment From Course [1] or Create New Evidence [3].
Create New Evidence Modal
When adding new evidence, instructors can select from categories like Project, Extracurricular Activity, or Professional Experience.
Add Guided Student Reflection Field
When creating new evidence, instructors can include Guided student reflection questions.
Add Skills Field
Each custom portfolio requirement can include instructions and be linked to one or more skills, helping clarify the purpose of the evidence submitted.
Add Section Modal
Instructors can also organize their content by adding sections.
Learner Evaluation Portfolio View
Learners can access Evaluation Portfolios assigned by their instructor directly within their own portfolio workspace.
Portfolio Instructions and Requirements
Learners can view the portfolio instructions [1] and evidence requirements [2], then begin submitting their work.
Learner Resubmission Tray
Learners can revise and resubmit portfolio entries based on instructor feedback [1]. Status indicators provide real-time updates, showing which items are submitted for review and which have been marked complete [2].
Learner Progress Tracker for Instructors
Instructors can track learner progress at both the individual and group levels.
Instructor Evidence Review Modal
Instructors can review submitted evidence, give feedback directly within the portfolio, and mark entries complete when requirements are met.
Go To Assignment Button
To view the Canvas Assignment, click the Go to Assignment button.
Note: Canvas assignments linked within the portfolio are still graded using SpeedGrader.
Linked Skills
Skills linked to submitted evidence automatically display in the learner’s portfolio, providing a quick view of progress. Each skill displays the number of associated evidence items and uses color coding to indicate status.
Feature Video
New Feature Previews
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.
IgniteAI Translations for Inbox, Discussions and Announcements
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
|
|
Feature Preview User Group |
IgniteAI Translations for Inbox, Discussions and Announcements |
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
|
|
Subaccount Configuration |
No |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Announcements, Discussions, Inbox |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Related Ideas |
|
|
Previous Release Mention |
Summary
When the IgniteAI Translations for Inbox feature option is enabled at the account level, users can access AI-supported translations for Inbox messages. When the IgniteAI Translations for Discussions & Announcements feature option is enabled at the course level, users can access AI-supported translations for Discussions and Announcements. Translations use new models for improved accuracy, speed, and consistency, with Claude 3 Haiku for Discussion translations and AWS Translate for Inbox translations.
The translation experience is also enhanced by:
- Displaying the source text and translated version separately
- Adding dedicated user interface controls so users can manage translations and close them without refreshing the page
This feature currently supports the following languages:
- Catalan
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Dutch
- English
- French
- German
- Portuguese (Brazil)
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swedish
Note: Additional languages will be available in future releases.
Change Benefit
This update improves accessibility and communication by allowing users to easily read and participate in course content and messages in their preferred language.
Feature Workflow
Inbox Compose Message Translation Options
To include translations in an Inbox message, click the Include translated version of this message toggle on [1]. Select the desired language [2], click the Translate button [3], and choose whether to display the translation first or second [4].
User View of Received Message
The user receiving the message can see both the original text and the translated text in the message field.
Discussion Open Translate Button
To translate content in Discussions and Announcements, click the Open Translate button.
Translate To Language Drop-Down Menu
Users can select from available language options using the Language drop-down menu.
Translated Discussion View of Discussion Topic
Select the language [1], then click the Translate button [2]. To remove the translation, click the Reset button [3]. The translated information [4] displays along with the original text.
Translated Discussion Reply View
Once a language is selected, the discussion topic and replies display in the original language and the translated language.
Feature Video
IgniteAI Insights for Discussions
|
Feature Preview to Enable |
IgniteAI Insights for Discussions |
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
|
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Discussion-moderate |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Discussions |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Related Ideas |
Summary
In Discussions, the Discussion Insights Dashboard uses an AI-powered tool to help educators quickly evaluate the relevance and quality of student replies.
Notes:
- Students cannot access Discussion Insights or see evaluations of their replies.
- AI-generated relevancy scores and evaluation notes cannot be edited or overridden; they are intended to support instructors in grading.
- Results are available only within the Discussion Insights interface. However, if the Platform Usability Updates for SpeedGrader feature option is enabled, results are also visible in SpeedGrader.
- Grading still occurs in SpeedGrader; Discussion Insights does not impact grades.
Rubrics are not considered in evaluations.
Change Benefit
This feature helps educators save time and make more informed decisions by providing quick, AI-powered evaluations of student replies. Instructors can efficiently assess relevance and quality without manually reviewing every post, allowing them to focus on meaningful feedback and supporting student learning.
Feature Workflow
Discussion Go To Insights Button
In a Discussion, click the Go to Insights button.
Discussion Insights Dashboard Generate Insights Button
In the Discussion Insights Dashboard, click the Generate Insights button to review the latest student responses.
Discussion Insights Dashboard Results View
After Insights are generated, instructors can search specific students [1] and filter by relevance [2]. In the dashboard, instructors view the relevance to the topic [3], the student name [4], Evaluation Notes [5], the time the response was posted [6] and have additional actions they can take [7].
Instructors can take the following actions for each result:
- view the reply in the Insights Dashboard
- view the response in SpeedGrader
- view the reply in context
Feature Video
IgniteAI Rubric Generator
|
Feature Option Name to Enable |
|
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
|
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
Rubrics |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Not available |
|
Related Ideas |
Summary
An AI Generator for Rubrics is available, generating editable rubrics with suggested criteria, point values, and performance levels based on the assignment name and description. The AI Generator for Rubrics works best with the following types of assignments:
- Essays or written responses
- Presentations
- Projects or group work
- Open-ended assignments
Notes:
- Currently, IgniteAI Generator for Rubrics is designed for open-ended assignments that require subjective grading and is not available to use with quizzes or auto graded assignments.
- The AI rubric creator is currently only available in English.
Change Benefit
This feature allows instructors to quickly generate editable rubrics with AI-suggested criteria, point values, and performance levels, saving time and improving consistency.
Feature Workflow
Assignment Details Create Rubric Button
In the Assignment details page, click the Create Rubric button.
Rubric Generate Criteria Button
Instructors have the option to add or adjust certain information and then click the Generate Criteria button.
Criteria Builder Options
After the criteria are generated, instructors can click the Regenerate button [1] to regenerate the entire rubric, edit, delete, or duplicate individual criteria [2], or regenerate a specific criterion [3]. Once satisfied, click Create Rubric to finalize.
Feature Video
<iframe width="560px" height="320px" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay *" title="Release Screencast 2025-11-15: Feature Preview IgniteAI Rubric Generator" src="https://community.instructuremedia.com/embed/564927cb-de4f-459f-a404-29f85e88ab2f" frameborder="0"></iframe>Feature Preview Change Log Updates
Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader
Comment Library Filter
|
Feature Preview to Enable |
Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader |
|
Feature Preview User Group |
|
|
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status |
|
|
Subaccount Configuration |
Yes |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Affected Areas |
SpeedGrader |
|
Mobile App Support |
Not available |
|
Free-for-Teacher Availability |
Available |
|
Related Ideas |
[SpeedGrader] Comment Library - comments by assignment [SpeedGrader] Add a Way to Group Comments in the Comment Library |
Summary
In SpeedGrader, a filter is added to the Comment Library. Instructors can filter by All Comments, Course Comments, or Assignment Comments.
Change Benefit
These updates make it easier to organize, locate, and reuse feedback, helping instructors save time and focus more on supporting student learning rather than retyping comments.
Feature Workflow
Filter Comment Drop-Down Menu
In the Manage Comment Library modal, click the Show saved comments for drop-down menu to filter comments.
Feature Video
Back to Table of ContentsOther Updates
Legacy Canvas Native ePortfolios
End of Life
|
Affected Canvas Areas |
Legacy Canvas native ePortfolios |
|
Affects User Interface |
Yes |
|
Related blog |
Coming Soon |
Summary
Institutions and end users no longer have access to Legacy Canvas native ePortfolios and any associated content is no longer available through this tool as of June 30, 2026.
Gradebook
Improved Gradebook Performance with GraphQL Data Fetching
|
Account/Course Setting to Enable |
None |
|
Permissions |
Inherent to user role |
|
Affects User Interface |
No |
|
Affected Areas |
Gradebook |
|
Related Ideas |
None |
Summary
The Gradebook is updated to use GraphQL for data fetching instead of REST APIs.
Note: The feature will be released gradually in Beta between October 15 and November 14, 2025, and in Production between November 15, 2025, and February 12, 2026.
Change Benefit
This change improves performance by reducing unnecessary data loading, resulting in faster load times and fewer client-side timeouts, especially for users with large datasets.
Change Log
2025-10-22
