Cidi Labs Sidebar Upgrade

Do you use the Cidi Labs sidebar? The Cidi Labs sidebar is often used to add designs or content templates to Canvas courses. If you have used the CU Boulder template or imported content from another instructor, you are likely using the sidebar, and need to take action soon.

Cidi Labs has upgraded the DesignPlus sidebar interface and the legacy version of the sidebar will sunset on December 31, 2025. To avoid any compatibility issues, be sure to update your Spring 2026 course content to the new version before December 31. 

How to check your content

1. Go to a page in your course and click the Edit button.
2. You may see a rocket ship in the upper right corner. If so, click on it. If you do not see a rocket, use the keyboard combination Alt+Shift+D (Windows) or Option+Shift+D (Macs) launch the sidebar.
3. If the sidebar looks like image A (below), you are using the legacy sidebar. If it looks like image B, you are using the new sidebar.
4. To switch between versions, follow the Switching Cidi Labs sidebar versions guide (< 2 min).
5. To see if your content needs to be updated, or to update your content, follow the Upgrading Cidi Labs content to the new sidebar guide (< 1 min).
6. Finally, double-check your course for broken links using the How do I validate links in a course guide.

Image

Training and Support

For assistance with using or transitioning content to the new sidebar, please reach out to the Academic Technology Consultant (ATC) team or attend an upcoming training session.

Upcoming Training Sessions:

• November 6, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
• November 14, 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Register for a training!

More information about the new sidebar can be found on the Canvas - New DesignPlus Sidebar page and on the New Cidi Labs User Guide. Contact the IT Service Center at oithelp@colorado.edu or 303-735-4357 with questions.