Editor's Note (July 2026): The free access period for premium IgniteAI features has been extended for US-based institutions. The deadline has changed from June 30, 2026, to July 31, 2026. For more information, see our announcement.
Since the launch of IgniteAI, we've been inspired by how institutions are moving from AI curiosity to everyday AI practice. Educators are already using these tools to reclaim one of their most valuable resources: time.
From reorganizing entire course modules in seconds with IgniteAI Agent to drafting meaningful feedback in SpeedGrader, institutions are finding practical ways to reduce repetitive work and focus more attention on teaching and student support.
We're also seeing measurable impact. Instructure research found that Generator for Rubrics reduces rubric creation time by approximately 60% while still producing a comprehensive, high-quality rubric that instructors can easily refine and align to their own standards. It's another example of how educators are using AI to reduce administrative work while maintaining control over the final learning experience.
Early feedback reflects this shift. One instructor described Generator for Rubrics as "a great starting point. I can focus on refining instead of writing everything myself." Another shared their experience with IgniteAI Grading Assistance for Speedgrader: "It was great at providing positive feedback and encouragement. Sometimes I get so focused on providing feedback on the things students can do to improve, I lose focus on what they did really well."
A quick reminder: The June 30 July 31 deadline for US-based institutions
Over the past several months, the IgniteAI free access period has given institutions an opportunity to explore these capabilities in their day-to-day workflows. As these access periods come to a close, we want to make sure you're aware of the upcoming dates:
US-Based Institutions:
- Free access to premium features ends
June 30, 2026 July 31, 2026.
Institutions outside the US:
- Free access continues through September 30, 2026.
The following IgniteAI capabilities are included in the free-access period and will require a Canvas Plus or Canvas Next tier after the access period ends:
Canvas Plus
- IgniteAI Insights for Discussions
- IgniteAI Generator for Rubrics
- IgniteAI Grading Assistance for Speedgrader
Canvas Next
- IgniteAI Agent for instructors and admins
Any work you’ve already generated using IgniteAI tools will remain available to you regardless of your future tier. Going forward, continued access to premium IgniteAI capabilities will be available through our new Canvas tiers: Canvas Plus and Canvas Next.
Drive actionable engagement with Canvas Plus
Canvas Plus is designed to help institutions support high-quality teaching at scale while reducing the day-to-day friction educators often face.
Institutions are already using these tools to streamline time-consuming tasks, gain deeper visibility into student progress, and engage students more proactively. Features like advanced analytics, targeted communication workflows, and AI-powered teaching tools help faculty spend less time on repetitive administrative work and more time supporting students.
Importantly, these tools are designed to support – not replace – educator expertise. By reducing manual effort and decision fatigue, Canvas Plus helps instructors focus on the work that matters most: teaching, mentoring, and building connections with their students.
Scale intelligent workflows with Canvas Next
Canvas Next is designed for institutions looking to scale these efficiencies across broader institutional workflows.
With IgniteAI Agent, educators and administrators can complete tasks that previously required multiple manual steps using simple natural-language prompts. Teams are already using these capabilities to reorganize course content, shift assignment deadlines across courses, and simplify administrative workflows that traditionally take significant time and coordination. Read how educators at Hinds Community College are using IgniteAI Agent to accelerate course redesign, generate accessible content, and build complete learning modules from existing materials.
Canvas Next also includes tools like IgniteAI Ask Your Data, allowing administrators to explore institutional trends and insights using everyday language instead of complex reporting workflows.
Together, these capabilities help institutions reduce operational overhead, support more informed decision-making, and create a more responsive learning environment for faculty and students alike.
Availability and next steps
Canvas continues to evolve to help institutions deliver more connected, efficient, and supportive learning experiences. While Canvas Core remains the foundation, Canvas Plus and Canvas Next provide additional tools for institutions looking to expand what’s possible with AI-powered teaching, engagement, and operational support.
Canvas Plus and Canvas Next are currently available in North America for higher education and K–12 institutions and will be available globally by August 15 (with some exclusions).
To learn more about Canvas Plus and Canvas Next–including which features are included in each tier and recent product updates–visit our Q2 New & Next Showcase recap. If you'd like to discuss which option may be the best fit for your institution's goals, reach out to your Customer Success Manager.
