Get Started with Lucid in Canvas

Last updated on July 13, 2026

Lucid for Education can be used to integrate interactive and visual learning tools directly into your course. There are two Lucid tools available under the Lucid (Whiteboard) menu item in Canvas, Lucidspark and Lucidchart. These are referred to as the Lucid Education Suite.  Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard tool that enables students to collaborate on ideas with sticky notes, drawings, and other tools, making it ideal for brainstorming and project planning. Lucidchart is a structured diagramming tool that allows you to create diagrams, flowcharts, and mind maps to simplify complex concepts, which can be embedded directly into assignments or discussions. These tools foster collaboration, creativity, and deep engagement by allowing students to brainstorm, organize ideas, and visualize complex concepts in real time. Whether you’re incorporating them into group projects, discussions, or visual learning aids, Lucidspark’s collaborative whiteboard and Lucidchart’s diagramming capabilities offer unique ways to enhance your teaching and support student engagement.

Both tools enhance collaboration and accommodate different learning styles, helping students engage more deeply and retain information by turning traditional content into dynamic, visual experiences.

Important Accessibility Note: Users with diverse accessibility needs can navigate and interact with Lucid documents using screen readers and keyboard navigation (screen reader commands vary by device and program). Lucidchart and LucidSpark also include the option to download an accessible PDF. For more information, check out this link. Use a screen reader in Lucid.

Enable Lucid in the Navigation Menu

Note: By default, Lucid is enabled in your left-hand navigation menu. It will show up as Lucid (Whiteboard). If it’s not enabled, follow the directions below to enable it and grant access to your Canvas account.

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Click on Settings at the bottom of the left side navigation menu.
4. Click the Navigation tab at the top.
5. Scroll down and find Lucid (Whiteboard) in the menu options. 
6. Click the 3 dots to the right of the title. 
7. Click Enable.
8. Click Save in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Link Lucid to Your Canvas Account

Now that Lucid is enabled in your course, you are ready to link it to your Canvas account.

1. From the left navigation menu, click Lucid (Whiteboard).
2. Click the Open Lucid button on the left side of the screen under the welcome message.
3. If it is your first time accessing Lucid, you will need to click the Log in with Microsoft link in the list under the Next button. 
   • Note: Use your MSU Denver credentials to log in.

4. Click the Get Started button that appears in the bottom right corner of the new screen that opens.
   •  You will be brought to a page titled “Connect Canvas by Lucid Software to User Account.” 
5. Scroll down and click Grant Access in the bottom right corner of the screen. 

Create and Embed Lucid Documents

The recommended approach for Lucid Education Suite is for instructors to create a template ahead of time.  This saves time and provides structure for students. Although there are activities where starting with a blank canvas makes sense. The following tutorial will outline how to get started with both approaches.

Create a Lucid Activity Template

Create Lucid documents in preparation for class 

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the course you’d like to work in.
3. Click on the Lucid (Whiteboard) link on the left-hand navigation menu.
4. Click the Open Lucid button on the Lucid welcome page to open the Lucid Education Suite page.
5. Click + New on the left side of the Lucid home page.
6. Hover your mouse over the Lucidchart or Lucidspark menu items, whichever you want to create.
   • Lucidchart is an intelligent diagramming tool for creating precise, formal process maps and flowcharts.
   • Lucidspark is a virtual whiteboard designed for freeform brainstorming, ideation, and team collaboration.
7. Click on Blank document or board, Create from template, or Create using AI for Lucidchart or Lucidspark
8. Create your document.
   • For details on creating Lucidchart or Lucidspark documents, visit the Lucid Training Labs site for free interactive tutorials.
   • They also have an education-focused training program, Lucid for Education.
9. Click on the document title in the top left-hand corner (Blank diagram or template name) and rename your document.
   • Note: Lucid documents are automatically saved to the cloud, so there’s no need to worry about saving the document.

Embed the Lucid document within your Canvas course

1. Open the Canvas course you’re working in.
2. Open a new or existing Announcement, Assignment, Page, Quiz, or Discussion where you want the Lucid document to appear.
3. Click the Edit button. The location will vary depending on what type of page you’re working with.
4. Click on the Insert Whiteboard or Diagram icon (L symbol) from the toolbar at the top of the Rich Content Editor (RCE).
   • Alternatively, you can click on the Apps icon (looks like a wall plug) and choose Insert Whiteboard or Diagram.
5. Click on a tile to select the Lucid document you created earlier in this lesson.
   •  Click on My Documents to find any of your stored documents.
6. Click the black Continue button at the bottom of the Insert Whiteboard or Diagram dialog.
7. Click on a button to select the Access Settings for your assignment.
   • Choose Edit, Comment Only, or View Only.
8. Click the Insert button at the bottom right of the screen to embed the assignment into the RCE.
9. Click Save at the bottom right side of the screen.

Create a new Lucid activity from within Canvas

1. Open a new or existing Announcement, Assignment, Page, Quiz, or Discussion where you want the Lucid document to appear.
2. Click the Edit button. The location will vary depending on what type of page you’re working with.
3. Click on the Insert Whiteboard or Diagram icon (L symbol) from the toolbar at the top of the Rich Content Editor (RCE).
   • Alternatively, you can click on the Apps icon (looks like a wall plug) and choose Insert Whiteboard or Diagram.
4. Click the + New button on the top left corner of the pop-up window.
5. Hover over the type of document you want to create. Either a Lucidchart diagram or a Lucidspark whiteboard.
6. Choose to create from a Blank Document, Create from Template, or Create using AI.
   • If you chose Blank Document, enter the name for your new document.
   • If you choose Create from Template, choose a template.
   • If you choose Create from AI, enter the name for your new document.
7. Click on a button to select the Access Settings for your assignment.
   • Choose Edit, Comment Only, or View Only.
8. Click the Insert button at the bottom right of the screen to embed the assignment into the RCE.
9. Click Save at the bottom right side of the screen.

Your students now have access to the Lucid document. By hovering over it, they can click the “Open with Lucidspark” or “Open with Lucidchart” button in the top left corner to begin collaborating directly within Lucid. 

To learn more about Lucid for Education and how to use it, check out these resources:

• Embed Lucid in Canvas
• Training Lab: Lucid for Education 101
• Lucid Help Center
• Lucid Training Labs

Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10 am-3 pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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