Overview
In an effort to continually improve Canvas, Instructure releases Canvas updates in the form of monthly releases and bi-weekly deploys. Notable updates are listed below, sorted by implementation date. For a detailed breakdown of each release, please see the Canvas Release Notes.
July 19, 2025 (delayed from June 21)
All Users: Redesigned Files Page
The Files page in Canvas courses has been redesigned. A few key changes include:
- A temporary toggle 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.
- A Select All checkbox and Individual file selection checkboxes are available.
- Users can bulk Download, Delete, Move and Edit Permissions and Manage Usage rights.
- Moving files or folders by dragging them into other folders is no longer supported.
- Drag-and-drop functionality for uploading files into the upload files modal remains available.
Learn more:
June 21, 2025
Instructors: SpeedGrader Performance & Usability Enhancements
An updated version of SpeedGrader is available as an optional course feature, offering improved performance and usability. Key improvements include:
- Faster load times, especially in courses with large enrollments.
- More responsive grading interactions and reduced interface lag.
- Streamlined navigation and clearer visual indicators for common actions.
- Subtle design updates support a more consistent, user-friendly experience.
These enhancements aim to make grading more efficient and reduce friction in high-volume grading workflows.
Learn more:
June 4, 2025
Instructors: Online Attendance in Course Analytics
Online Attendance tracking and reporting is now available as part of New Analytics, designed to help instructors track student engagement in online courses more effectively. Key features include:
- Activity tracking based on selectable criteria and class days.
- Clear indicators of attendance status (present, absent, no data) across the course timeline.
- Course-wide and individual student reporting to support proactive outreach and intervention.
- Downloadable CSV reports for offline analysis or recordkeeping.
This new report helps instructors identify trends in student activity and encourages timely engagement with learners showing low or inconsistent participation.
Learn more:
May 9, 2025
Students: Assignment Enhancements
An updated student interface to view and submit Assignments. A few key changes include:
- A progress tracker has been added near the top of each assignment to indicate which stage of the submission and grading process the student is in.
- Submissions can be drafted in the assignment without requiring an immediate submission.
- A drop-down menu has been added to navigate between multiple submissions.
- In assignments with multiple submissions, rubric details and comments are displayed separately under each respective submission.
Learn more:
Students: Confetti for On-Time Submissions
Students who submit assignments on-time will see a confetti animation displayed on screen. Students who do not wish to see the confetti can disable it in their account settings.
Learn more: