Switch to the New Sidebar

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Getting Started Switch to the New Sidebar

There are some important dates to remember while using the new or legacy sidebars. The instructions on switching to the new sidebar and back to the legacy sidebar are included below.

Important Dates

January 6, 2025: The "Use the New Sidebar" button becomes available; the legacy sidebar is the default sidebar.

May 7, 2025: The new sidebar becomes the default sidebar.

December 31, 2025: The legacy sidebar is sunset and is no longer supported by Cidi Labs.

Instructions

Switch to the New Sidebar

To switch to the new sidebar from a legacy page, follow these instructions:

  1. Open any Canvas course.
  2. Navigate to a legacy page or legacy content item you wish to edit.
  3. Click  Edit.
  4. While in edit mode, you will see the "Use the New Sidebar" button at the bottom of the legacy sidebar panel.
  5. Simply click on the "Use the New Sidebar" button to switch to the new sidebar.

Once the Switch Is Made

Once you switch to the new sidebar from a legacy page, you will see a "Go to the Upgrade tool" alert box. To edit legacy content using the new sidebar, you must first upgrade the content. To do this, simply click on the "Go to the Upgrade tool" button.

A gray "Update All [##] Items (Recommended)" button will appear above the Upgrade alert box. This button shows the number of items that will be upgraded. Click on that button to start the upgrade.

Once the Upgrade tool scans and updates the page, you're ready to edit the content using the new sidebar!

Switching Back to the Legacy Sidebar

If you decide not to upgrade and want to continue using the legacy sidebar, you can click on the "Switch to the legacy sidebar" button found in the Upgrade tool alert box.

Or go to the More options menu () in the DesignPLUS main navigation, then "User Settings," and you'll see the "Switch to the legacy sidebar" button as shown below.