Feature Options


Some Canvas features are optional or new and can be turned on or off. This lesson gives an overview of how to manage feature options at the course level. On the course level, you may have the option to implement features on a course-by-course basis. Instructors have no control over user-level features. To view the specific course-level feature options available in Canvas, visit the Canvas Feature Option Summary resource document.

In order for a feature to appear for a course, the feature must be unlocked for your institution by a Canvas admin.

The options below marked as 'Feature Preview' are options in active development. Enabling one of these features provides early access to ongoing improvements.

Give rubric creators the option to generate rubric criteria automatically based on an assignment description via a large language model (LLM).

Canvas Resource

Anonymous Grading allows all course assignments and New Quizzes to be graded anonymously in SpeedGrader. When the Anonymous Grading feature option is enabled, the Hide Student Names checkbox is enabled by default.

Canvas Guide

When this feature option is enabled, instructors can view the option in assignments to create anonymous annotations and comments in DocViewer-supported submissions`. The Anonymous Instructor Annotations option only affects DocViewer in the SpeedGrader submission window. When Anonymous Instructor Annotations is enabled, DocViewer comments do not display an instructor's name.

Canvas Guide

Assignment Enhancements is an update to the Classic Assignment Details page that improves the assignment interface and submission workflow for students.

Canvas Guide

When the Course AI Translation feature option is enabled, instructors and students can use AI-supported translations to translate text with Discussions and Announcements.
This feature provides users the option to translate text into different languages and promotes inclusivity by allowing people from diverse linguistic backgrounds to communicate and access information easily. It also enhances collaboration and understanding in multilingual environments, making content accessible to a wider audience.

Canvas Resource

When the Disable Classic Quiz Creation feature option is enabled, you cannot create new Classic Quizzes. However, existing Classic Quizzes can continue to be edited, imported, and migrated to New Quizzes.

Canvas Guide

Let instructors tag enrolled users and assign course content based on those tags, supporting more personalized learning experiences. Students can have multiple tags and all tags are hidden to students.

Canvas Guide

Discussion Summarization uses a Generative AI model to provide instructors summaries of key points, questions, and ideas in a discussion thread.
This feature is designed to save educators time and to allow discussions to be used effectively in large-format classes and other environments where they were previously infeasible.

Canvas Resource

The Rubrics page at the course level is redesigned, allowing instructors to search and sort rubrics, view the location rubrics are used, duplicate and archive rubrics, as well as more easily edit existing rubrics. Additionally, the rubrics create and edit interface is redesigned.
This feature enhances educational value and improves student learning as institutions focus on effective rubric-based assessments.

Canvas Guide

If one or more of your courses have enabled ePub exports, you can view your course offline as an ePub file. You can download the ePub file and upload it into any eReader software for viewing, such as iBooks or Azardi.

Canvas Guide

Enables the new AI-assisted grading tool inside of the Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader for assignments in this course. Requires a rubric to assist. Currently works only with Text Entry.

Canvas Resource

The Learning Mastery Gradebook helps instructors and admins assess the outcome standards being used in Canvas courses. This gradebook helps institutions measure student learning for accreditation and better assess the needs of their students.

Canvas Guide

Moderated Grading allows anyone with assignment creation permissions to specify an assignment submission to be reviewed by one or multiple graders, review the assignment grades, and select which grade should be set as the final grade for each student.

Canvas Guide

Allows result data stored in the Outcomes Service to display in Canvas reporting (LMGB, sLMGB and outcome related admin reporting).

Canvas Guide

Performance and Usability Upgrades for SpeedGrader enhances performance for a faster, smoother experience for users handling larger courses or complex assignments. Upgrading the backend technology improves SpeedGrader's ability to manage high-demand tasks more efficiently and reliably.

Canvas Resource

When copying a group assignment from one course to another, a new group set with the same name as the original is now created in the destination course if no matching group set exists. Previously, copied group assignments were automatically linked to an existing matching group set in the destination course or defaulted to the Project Groups group set, which was created automatically if no other match was found.

Canvas Resource

The Smart Search feature uses AI to understand search queries, giving more accurate and relevant results without needing complicated search terms or tools.

Canvas Resource

Learning Mastery scores are used by your instructor to measure performance based on classroom standards, or outcomes. Outcome scores may be tied to assignments and other items throughout Canvas.
If your Grades page shows Assignments and Learning Mastery tabs on the Grades page, you can view standards-based scores in the Learning Mastery tab.

Canvas Guide

The Submission Stickers feature option allows instructors to add stickers to individual and group assignment submissions per attempt, offering an engaging way to provide feedback. Once enabled, instructors can apply stickers through the Traditional Gradebook tray, the Individual Gradebook, and SpeedGrader. Submission Stickers only work in courses that have also enabled the Assignment Enhancements feature option.

Canvas Guide