Canvas Release Notes (2025-07-19)

[#1]

Upcoming Canvas Changes

2025-08-13

• Removal of the UUID field from the File API

For more information, please see Upcoming Canvas 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 2025-06-16 and the Production environment on 2025-07-19.

All Resources | Features in this release may be included in product blogs and other content areas. For all related links, view the 2025-07-19 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 (2025-07-19)

Table of Contents

• Upcoming Canvas Changes
• 2025-08-13
• New Features
• Discussions
• Manage Threaded Replies in Legacy Type Discussions
• Files
• Redesigned Files Page [Added on 2025-06-23]
• User Settings
• Dyslexia Friendly Font
• New Feature Previews
• Canvas Portfolio
• Other Updates
• Accessibility Updates
• Enhanced Experience for Assistive Technology Users
• Analytics
• New Analytics Default Status Update
• Deprecation of Legacy Course Analytics

New Features

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Discussions

Manage Threaded Replies in Legacy Type Discussions

Instructor

Beta Environment Availability	2025-06-20
Feature Option to Enable	N/A
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	N/A
Subaccount Configuration	N/A
Account/Course Setting to Enable	None
Permissions	Discussion - Moderate
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Discussions
Related Ideas	None
Related Blogs	Improved temporary button to set threaded/unthreaded type for all Discussions- Coming Soon

Summary

In Discussions, a banner displays with a Manage Discussions button allowing instructors to enable or disable threaded replies in bulk. Individual discussion settings can be adjusted using a drop-down menu. This update replaces the previous temporary Make all Discussions Threaded button.

Note: The banner only displays if the course contains at least one legacy type discussion.

Change Benefit

This update saves instructors time by allowing them to manage threaded replies across all discussions at once, while still offering the option to adjust settings individually as needed.

Feature Workflow

Manage Discussions Banner

In Discussions, a banner displays allowing instructors to bulk manage all discussions to allow or disallow threaded replies [1]. To edit this preference, click the Manage Discussions button [2]. 

Manage Discussion Options

To bulk edit all discussions, click the Select All checkbox [1], then select the Set to Threaded or Set to Not threaded replies button [2]. To edit the preference for individual discussions, click the Discussion with legacy type drop-down menu [3] for the desired discussion. Then click the Confirm button [4].

Select All Discussion Settings

When the Select all checkbox is selected, the preference displays for each discussion.

Manage Individual Discussions Drop Down Menu

To edit preferences for individual discussions, instructors can use the drop-down menu to select the desired option.

Feature Video

Not Available

Files

Redesigned Files Page [Added on 2025-06-23]

All Users

Feature Option to Enable	N/A
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	N/A
Subaccount Configuration	N/A
Account/Course Setting to Enable	None
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Files
Related Ideas	[Files] Delete Multiple Files Quickly [Files] Hide Left-Hand Pane

Summary

The Files page is redesigned. Key updates include:

Interface & Navigation

• A temporary button allows users to switch between the new and original interface. 
• Large sets of files include pagination.
• The folder tree view is removed.
• The All My Files button opens to a landing page instead of a folder tree.

File Management Enhancements

• Column headers support sorting.
• Manage Permissions and Manage Usage Rights open in separate modals for improved clarity.
• The View button is removed.

File Interaction Changes

• Moving files or folders by dragging them into other folders continues to be supported.
• Drag-and-drop functionality for uploading files into the upload files modal remains available also.

Selection Behavior Updates

• A Select All checkbox and Individual file selection checkboxes are available.
• The Ctrl+A / Cmd+A shortcut for selecting all rows is supported.
• Ctrl+Click / Cmd+Click to select individual rows is supported.
• Shift+Click to select a range of rows is supported.
• Ctrl / Cmd+Shift+A to deselect all is supported.
• Users can bulk Download, Delete, Move and Edit Permissions and Manage Usage rights.

Link Sharing

• Preview links are no longer shareable outside the platform.

Change Benefit

This update offers a cleaner, more intuitive interface that simplifies file organization and management. Improvements like pagination, sorting, and streamlined selection tools enhance usability, especially for users working with large file sets.

Feature Workflow

Updated Files Page

To select all files and folders at once, click the Select All checkbox [1]. To select files or folders individually, use the checkbox next to each file or folder[2]. Column headers can be clicked to sort files and folders [3]. To switch between the new and original Files page, click the Switch to Old/New Files Page button [4]. To view the files landing page, click the All My Files button [5]. Bulk action options are available when files and/or folders are selected [6].

File Options Edit Permissions and Manage Usage Rights Links

Edit Permissions and Manage Usage Rights links open in separate modals.

Feature Video

Not Available

 

User Settings

Dyslexia Friendly Font

All Users

Feature Option Name to Enable	Use Dyslexia Friendly Font
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	User Settings (Disabled)
Subaccount Configuration	N/A
Account/Course Setting to Enable	None
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	User Settings, User Interface
Related Ideas	[Accessibility] Dyslexie font for dyslexic folks - A setting option to change the font display?

Summary

When the Use Dyslexia Friendly Font feature option is enabled in User Settings, the Canvas interface and the Rich Content Editor display text using the OpenDyslexic font by default. If the feature is disabled, both OpenDyslexic and OpenDyslexic Mono are available as font options within the Rich Content Editor.

Note: OpenDyslexic font does not include Hebrew or Arabic characters. Additionally, if content is created using the Dyslexia Friendly Font, it will display in the default Canvas font for users who do not have the feature enabled.

Change Benefit

This feature helps improve readability for users with dyslexia and supports a more inclusive learning experience.

Feature Workflow

User Setting Feature Option

In User Settings, a Use dyslexia friendly font feature option displays in User Settings.

Account Tray Dyslexia Font Toggle

Click the Dyslexia-Friendly Font toggle to enable or disable font from the Account link in the Global Navigation menu.

Dyslexia Font Set in the Canvas Interface

When the Use Dyslexia friendly font is enabled, the Canvas interface displays OpenDyslexic font.

Feature Video

Not Available

New Feature Previews

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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. 

Canvas Portfolio

All Users

Production Environment Availability	2025-07-31
Beta Environment Availability	2025-07-31
Feature Enablement	Request enablement via the New Portfolio - Feature Preview participation form.
Feature Preview User Group	Canvas Portfolio- Users can start joining the group on July 31, 2025.
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Global navigation
Mobile App Support	Not available
Free-for-Teacher Availability	Not available
Related Ideas	None

Summary

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 Page

If enabled by an institution, in the Global Navigation menu, learners can create a Showcase Portfolio by clicking the Portfolio link [1]. Then, click the Create portfolio button [2].

Create Portfolio Page

Learners can then add a Portfolio Name [1], Cover Image [2] and a Description [3].

Add Evidence Options

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 Action 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 Button

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.

Instructor Create Evaluation Portfolio Page

To create an Evaluation Portfolio, instructors can add a Portfolio Name [1], and optional Cover Image [2] and Portfolio Instructions [3].

Add Evidence Options

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 Options

When adding new evidence, instructors can select from categories like Project, Extracurricular Activity, or Professional Experience.

Create New Project Modal

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.

Portfolio Page View

Learners can access Evaluation Portfolios assigned by their instructor directly within their own portfolio workspace.

Portfolio Instructions

Learners can view the portfolio instructions [1] and evidence requirements [2], then begin submitting their work.

Portfolio Comment Modal

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 Data

Instructors can track learner progress at both the individual and group levels.

Review and Comment Modal

Instructors can review submitted evidence, give feedback directly within the portfolio, and mark entries complete when requirements are met.

Canvas Assignment Tray

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 completed evidence are automatically displayed in the learner’s portfolio, creating a visual record of achievement.

Feature Video

Screencast coming soon

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Other Updates

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Accessibility Updates

Enhanced Experience for Assistive Technology Users

All Users

Updates enhance accessibility, usability, and equity, especially for users of assistive technology. Improvements include refined semantic structure, clearer error messaging, improved visual contrast, and enhanced keyboard and screen reader navigation to provide a more intuitive and consistent experience for all users.

Related Blog: Advancing Accessibility in Canvas: On the Path to Full WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance

Analytics

New Analytics Default Status Update

Instructor

Feature Option to Enable	New Course and User Analytics
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	Account (Enabled/Unlocked)
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Account/Course Setting to Enable	None
Permissions	Inherent to user role
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Account- level Feature Options
Related Ideas	None

Summary

The New Course and User Analytics (New Analytics) feature option is on by default for all Canvas institutions. This feature flag can be turned off at the account level. If it was previously disabled, it will remain off. However, when the feature is turned off, courses in the account will not have access to any course-level analytics.

Note: New Analytics will be re-named to Course Analytics in a future Canvas deploy.

Change Benefit

This update provides Canvas institutions with access to the New Analytics feature, enabling improved insights into course and user activity without requiring manual activation.

 

Deprecation of Legacy Course Analytics

Admin Instructor

Affected Canvas Areas	Account Analytics
Affects User Interface	Yes

Summary

Legacy Course Analytics is removed. Institutions that choose not to use New Analytics no longer have access to course-level analytics.

Change Benefit

This change simplifies the analytics experience and encourages adoption of New Analytics, which offers enhanced insights and improved functionality.