Canvas Release Update: Course Navigation Visual Changes

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Canvas is implementing visual updates to course navigation on October 19, 2019. But don’t worry – this change will not affect how the navigation functions. This update will improve accessibility and clarity, especially regarding hidden menu items.

So, what are the changes?

Currently, course navigation displays items visible to students in black, items hidden to students in a light grey, and the current page with a blue highlight. When you hover over an item, it displays a light grey background. These style elements did not meet accessibility guidelines. The contrast between hidden and visible items was too low, and the hidden/visible status was only defined by color.

Screenshot showing the current navigation menu in Canvas with the dark blue "active page" bar, black text for visible items, and grey text for hidden items. — Screenshot of the current Canvas course menu

In the new navigation style, all links will be displayed in blue. Items hidden from students have an icon (an eye crossed out) next to their name to indicate their status. The current page is indicated with a black bar next to the black text. Finally, when you hover over an item, the text will be underlined, and a blue box surrounds the button.

Screenshot showing the new navigation menu in Canvas with the "active page" text in black with a vertical bar on the left, blue text for all other items. Hidden items have an icon (an eye crossed out) next to their name to indicate status. — Screenshot of the current Canvas course menu

Additionally, when you hover over an item, it will give you an explanation for why it’s hidden. Here, you can see that “Announcements” is hidden because there is no content in it.

Screenshot showing the hover state on a hidden item that has no content, so it is not visible to students. — Screenshot showing the explanation for why “Announcements” is hidden. This item has no content, so it’s not visible to students.

Items can also be hidden because the item is not available to students. Here, “People” is hidden because it’s disabled for student access.

Screenshot showing the hover state on a hidden item that is disabled, so it is not visible to students — Screenshot showing the explanation for why “People” is hidden. This item has been disabled, so it’s not visible to students.

How can I know when changes are coming?

Canvas releases updates monthly and provides comprehensive release notes on the Release Notes: Canvas LMS page in the Canvas community. You can visit this page to view the updates coming in the next cycle (once a month). If you’re curious to see what’s coming a little further in the future, check out the Upcoming Canvas Changes document (also linked in the Release Notes menu).

We’ll also be keeping you apprised through this blog about the changes coming up that will most directly affect you and your students. Keep your eyes on this space, and you’ll be well informed for what’s coming down the pipeline.

If you have questions or comments about how this will affect your course, please leave a comment down below! In addition, Canvas support is always available to answer your questions through chat or a phone call.