Canvas LMS
Learning management system (LMS) that is revolutionizing the way we educate.
- GitHub stars
- 6,866
- License
- AGPL-3.0
- Last commit
- 30 April 2026
- Runs on
- Ruby
Commits per month, last 12 months
4,416 commits
Replaces
Paid products Canvas LMS can stand in for.
How to self-host Canvas LMS
Canvas LMS runs on Ruby. The project's own install guide is the place to start; most people put it on a small server with Docker and a reverse proxy for HTTPS.
- Get a server: a home server, a VPS, or a managed app host.
- Install it the way the project's docs describe, usually with Docker Compose.
- Put it behind HTTPS and set up backups before you add real data.
- Update it regularly. Watch the project's releases.
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Questions
Is Canvas LMS free?
Yes. Canvas LMS is open source under the AGPL-3.0 license, so you can use it without paying for a license. You pay only for the server it runs on.
Can I self-host Canvas LMS?
Yes. Canvas LMS runs on Ruby. Follow the install guide in the project's documentation, or use a host that installs it for you.
What does Canvas LMS replace?
People use Canvas LMS instead of Teachable, Thinkific, Blackboard Learn or Google Classroom.
Is Canvas LMS still maintained?
The last change to Canvas LMS's code was on 30 April 2026, with 4416 commits in the last 12 months.
Topics
App data from awesome-selfhosted (CC BY-SA 3.0), stars and activity from GitHub.