Canvas Deploy Notes (2025-03-26)

[#1]

Canvas deploys contain code changes that are intended to fix bugs, improve performance, and prepare for new features. These deploys take place every two weeks and can be tested in the beta environment before the production deploy date indicated in the title of this document. Institutions are responsible for conducting thorough evaluations of their custom CSS/JS with each release and deploy to assess potential impacts.

Fixed bugs are located in Known Issues. For related issues resolved in this deploy, view the 2025-03-26 Known Issues tag.

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For Canvas Platform Service changes (API, GraphQL, Canvas Data), please see the appropriate page in the Change Log

Other questions? Visit the Canvas Release FAQ

Looking to discuss the features in the Deploy Notes? Post a reply in the Features Q&A: Canvas Deploy Notes (2025-03-26)

Table of Contents

• Updates Features
• People
• Merge User Page Interface Update
• New Quizzes
• Multiple Selections in Hot Spot Questions
• SIS Imports
• File Input Interface Updates
• Other Updates
• Accessibility Updates
• Enhanced Structural Clarity
• Improved Error Feedback

Updates Features

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People

Merge User Page Interface Update

Admin

Feature Option Name to Enable	N/A
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	N/A
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Account/Course Setting to Enable	N/A
Permissions	Users - manage login details
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Merge Users Page
Related Ideas	None

Summary

In the Merge Users page, pages and modals are updated using the latest version of InstUI, Instructure’s internal design language. Additionally, a warning message is added to highlight that this action is irreversible.

Note: Institutions with Custom JS and CSS should verify any changes.

Change Benefit

This update improves user experience by aligning the Merge Users page with Instructure’s latest design standards, ensuring a consistent interface across the platform. The addition of a clear warning message informs users that the action is irreversible, helping them avoid mistakes. Additionally, updating to the latest version of InstUI enhances performance and accessibility.

Feature Workflow

Merge Users Page

The Merge User page is updated with the latest InstUI.

Preview and Confirm Merge User Page

The Preview and Confirm page is updated to the latest version of InstUI, with added text emphasizing that this action cannot be undone.

Confirmation Modal

A confirmation modal displays for admins before merging user accounts.

New Quizzes

Multiple Selections in Hot Spot Questions

Instructor Student

Feature Option Name to Enable	New Quizzes See the Canvas Feature Option Summary to learn more about Feature Options.
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	Account (Disabled/Unlocked)
Subaccount Configuration	Yes
Account/Course Setting to Enable	N/A
Permissions	Manage Assignments and Quizzes
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	New Quizzes Hot Spot question type
Related Ideas	[New Quizzes] New Quizzes: Multiple Hot Spot

Summary

Instructors can enable multiple selections in Hot Spot quiz questions:

• Instructors can define multiple correct hot spot areas.
• Students can select multiple areas on an image in response to the quiz.
• Autograding will evaluate the student’s selections based on the defined correct answers.
• The feature supports regrading functionality.
• User response attempts are limited to the number of hotspots set by the instructor.

Note: Questions made before this change support editing to accept multiple hotspots.

Change Benefit

This feature offers greater flexibility in how instructors assess student knowledge.

Feature Workflow

Hot Spot Question Type Edit Page

Instructors can select multiple areas for Hot Spots quiz questions.

SIS Imports

File Input Interface Updates

Admin

Feature Option Name to Enable	None
Enable Feature Option Location & Default Status	N/A
Subaccount Configuration	No
Account/Course Setting to Enable	N/A
Permissions	SIS Data-Import
Affects User Interface	Yes
Affected Areas	Account SIS Import Page
Related Ideas	None

Summary

In the SIS Import page, the File Upload feature is updated to use InstUI FileDrop.

Change Benefit

This change provides a smoother and more user-friendly experience.

Feature Workflow

SIS Import Upload File Field

In the SIS Import page, the file upload feature is changed to a FileDrop.

Other Updates

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Accessibility Updates

All Users

Over the coming months, a series of updates will be introduced to enhance Canvas's accessibility, intuitiveness, and equity, with a focus on improving usability for assistive technology users. These updates will include changes in the following areas:

Enhanced Structural Clarity 

Refined semantic markup in the user interface to improve communication of content relationships and hierarchy.

Improved Error Feedback

In the user interface, improved error messages in forms and interactive elements provide clearer and more accessible feedback. Error messages were added to required fields that previously lacked them, while existing error states were updated to follow a consistent pattern. Focused states for missing or incorrect fields ensure a uniform experience for all users, whether using a mouse, keyboard, or screen reader.