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What can we expect now that the DesignPLUS Legacy Sidebar has been sunsetted?

If you installed the DesignPLUS sidebar before August 2023, the legacy sidebar was likely installed in your Canvas instance. The legacy sidebar was sunset on December 31, 2025. Here are some resources regarding the legacy sunset.

We understand that transitioning to the new sidebar can seem overwhelming — but we're so excited to offer you all the new features available! We've gathered resources and answers to common questions about the process below.

Functionality

Is the legacy sidebar still available?

After December 31, 2025, the new sidebar automatically became the default for all institutions that had the legacy sidebar installed in their Canvas instance. However, institution admins can choose whether to keep the legacy sidebar available at their institution. For more information, see this article: How do I make the new DesignPLUS sidebar default for my institution or turn off the legacy sidebar?

At institutions where both the legacy and new sidebars are available, users can still access the legacy sidebar to edit legacy content, but after 24 hours it will revert to the new sidebar.

Can I continue using the legacy sidebar until my content is fully upgraded?

Yes, the legacy sidebar can still be accessed unless your institution chooses to disable it. However, it will not be supported. We recommend switching to the new sidebar and upgrading legacy content to avoid issues later.

If we already have the new sidebar installed, do we need to take immediate action in our CSS or JS?

No immediate action will need to be taken in your CSS or JS. This change was automatic for institutions who have installed the new sidebar.

Impact on Content

Will my legacy content still render?

Yes. Content built with the legacy sidebar will continue to render. We will no longer modify the legacy code. If Canvas makes any updates that breaks how legacy content looks or performs, we will no longer modify legacy code to accommodate their changes.

For instructions on how to upgrade, see How do I upgrade my Legacy Design Tools Content for use with the new DesignPLUS sidebar?

What happens if I didn't upgrade my content before the sunset date?

Legacy content will continue to render, but we recommend upgrading content at your earliest convenience. This will ensure legacy content renders correctly and is compatible with the new sidebar. 

Are my legacy customizations still available in the new sidebar?

No, the legacy customizations are not visible in the new sidebar. The legacy customizations need to be migrated to the new customizations course.

For steps on migrating legacy content, see How do I use legacy customizations in the new sidebar? Contact your Cidi Labs Customer Success Manager for additional guidance on transitioning legacy customizations.

Will Cidi Labs support legacy content if something breaks?

No. If something breaks in the legacy sidebar, we will recommend switching to the new sidebar and using the Upgrade tool. If any issues occur while upgrading, please submit a ticket via the Upgrade Support Form or email support@cidilabs.com with the legacy HTML and screenshots.

Will students notice any differences in course content?

No, students will not notice any difference in how the course content is displayed.

Installation & Rollout

Will Cidi Labs provide support for the transition process?

Yes! Cidi Labs will support you in installing and transitioning to the new sidebar. Please reach out to your Cidi Labs Customer Success Manager if you have questions or would like to brainstorm the transition process.

How do we install the new sidebar?

Instructions are provided in this document: Installing the New Sidebar: Using the Install Form. You may also watch this Installation Video to guide you through the process.

If you would prefer to have a guided installation with a member of Cidi Labs' support team, please submit a New DesignPLUS Sidebar install request by clicking here.

We have also put together a list of steps that may help you organize your institution's transition to the new sidebar. You can find them in our Transitioning from the Legacy to New Sidebar Guide.

Will installing the new sidebar change any of our default settings?

No, any settings an institution has enabled in legacy (e.g. move the Ally dropdown; enable student cards) will be set to their equivalents in the new Sidebar. The following new defaults will apply, unless you configure them differently during installation:

  • The launch button will be hidden behind a keyboard shortcut (hideButton: true)
  • Users will be able to switch between the legacy and new versions (enableVersionSwitching: true)
  • The button to switch versions will be available (hideSwitching: false)

Will installing the new sidebar change any of our access settings?

No. If your institution is currently hiding the launch button or limiting access to Design Tools by user ID, user role, or course format, those settings will be applied to the new Sidebar as well.  

How should we introduce the new sidebar to users?

Institutions can install the new Sidebar with several different options, such as hiding the launch button, allowing version switching, and setting the default version for users.  If you're wondering, "Which approach is right for our institution?," this Rollout Approaches guide will help you understand the options.

Where can I find training or documentation on using the new sidebar?

You're in the right place! Cidi Labs has multiple ways to learn how to use the DesignPLUS sidebar:

If you are an admin or a trainer, you can sign up for a DesignPLUS Training in the Cidi Labs Training Calendar. For additional training materials, see the DesignPLUS Sidebar Training Resources.

Does the new sidebar have all the same features?

Yes — plus more! We continue adding new features including Cards, Flip Cards, Background Images, Custom Themes, and Interactive Exercises. For a full list, see the DesignPLUS User Guide: DesignPLUS Sidebar Feature Comparison.

Does upgrading to the new sidebar affect our subscription costs?

No, upgrading to the new Sidebar does not have any new costs for existing customers.

Why should I upgrade my content?

Upgrading your content now ensures it will render and function correctly in current and future courses. It also makes it easier for instructors to edit content using the new sidebar and helps maintain compatibility when courses are imported or reused.

The new DesignPLUS code also meets higher accessibility standards, supporting the latest WCAG 2.2 criteria. Upgrading aligns with best practices for course design by keeping content clean, consistent, and engaging for students.