# Canvas LMS — Open-Source Learning Management System

> Modern learning management system used by schools, universities, and corporations worldwide. Provides course creation, assignments, grading, video conferencing integration, and a mobile-friendly interface.

## Install

Save in your project root:

# Canvas LMS — Open-Source Learning Management System

## Quick Use
```bash
git clone https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms.git
cd canvas-lms
docker-compose up -d
open http://localhost:3000
```

## Introduction
Canvas LMS by Instructure is a widely adopted learning management system used by thousands of educational institutions. The open-source edition provides the same core platform available in the commercial SaaS offering, letting organizations self-host their entire e-learning infrastructure.

## What Canvas LMS Does
- Creates and manages courses with modules, pages, and learning outcomes
- Handles assignment submission, peer review, and rubric-based grading
- Integrates with video conferencing tools like Zoom and BigBlueButton via LTI
- Provides a SpeedGrader for efficient inline annotation and scoring
- Supports quizzes with multiple question types and automatic grading

## Architecture Overview
Canvas is a Ruby on Rails monolith backed by PostgreSQL. It uses Redis for caching and job queues, and processes background work through a Delayed Jobs worker. File storage plugs into S3 or local disk. The frontend combines a server-rendered Rails UI with React components. LTI 1.3 allows deep integration with third-party educational tools.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Requires Ruby 3.1+, PostgreSQL 14+, Redis, and Node.js for asset builds
- Docker Compose provides the quickest path to a dev or small-scale instance
- Configure database, storage backend, and mail in config/*.yml files
- Production deploys typically run behind Apache or Nginx with Passenger
- Canvas Data 2 exports analytics to a separate data warehouse if needed

## Key Features
- LTI 1.3 support for plugging in hundreds of external learning tools
- Rich content editor with embedded media, math equations, and accessibility checks
- Granular roles and permissions for teachers, TAs, observers, and admins
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android with offline access
- Built-in analytics dashboards for student engagement and progress

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Moodle** — PHP-based, larger plugin ecosystem; Canvas has a more modern UI
- **Open edX** — course-focused MOOC platform; Canvas covers full classroom workflows
- **Blackboard** — proprietary; Canvas open-source edition is free to self-host
- **Google Classroom** — SaaS only; Canvas offers self-hosting and deeper customization

## FAQ
**Q: Is the open-source version feature-complete?**
A: The core LMS is identical. Some SaaS add-ons (Canvas Studio, Catalog) are not included.

**Q: Can I integrate with my institution's SSO?**
A: Yes. Canvas supports SAML 2.0, CAS, and LDAP for authentication.

**Q: What scale can a self-hosted instance handle?**
A: With proper infrastructure, self-hosted Canvas serves institutions with tens of thousands of users.

**Q: Does it support SCORM content packages?**
A: SCORM is available through LTI plugins; the core does not include a built-in SCORM player.

## Sources
- https://github.com/instructure/canvas-lms
- https://www.instructure.com/canvas

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/4c84046a-44d2-11f1-9bc6-00163e2b0d79
Author: AI Open Source