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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.

Functionality

Is the legacy sidebar still be 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. If your institution installed DesignPLUS after August 2023, the legacy sidebar was not installed in your Canvas instance – you can disregard this article.

Users can still access the legacy sidebar if their institution’s JavaScript allows. The legacy sidebar will continue to be available to edit legacy content. However, we strongly recommend switching to the new sidebar to upgrade content. 

This will ensure that the content continues to render as expected. The legacy sidebar will be available to users until Canvas makes an update that breaks the integration.

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?

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.

Support

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 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.

To schedule a guided installation with a member of Cidi Labs' support team, please submit a New DesignPLUS Sidebar install request by clicking here.

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, and Custom Themes. For a full list, see the DesignPLUS User Guide: DesignPLUS Sidebar Feature Comparison.

Impact on Users

Will students notice any differences in course content?

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.