Canvas SpeedGrader Comment Library
- Maria Shimel
- LaKell Archer
- Maddie Heaton
What is the Comment Library in SpeedGrader?
The Comment Library is a Canvas SpeedGrader feature that allows instructors to save and reuse frequently used feedback comments. Comments are stored per instructor and can be accessed across all courses where the instructor is enrolled. The library supports plain-text comments only and appears in the right-hand panel of SpeedGrader.
Why Use the Comment Library?
Using the Comment Library saves time and promotes consistency in grading. Instructors can quickly insert pre-written comments instead of typing the same feedback repeatedly. It also helps streamline feedback for common issues, making the grading process faster and more efficient—especially for large classes.
Important Notes Before You Start
Comment Library is only available in SpeedGrader, not in the Gradebook or annotation tools.
Comments are saved per instructor, not per course.
Saved comments are available in every course where you’re listed as an instructor.
Saved comments are not shared with co-instructors or TAs.
Comments must be submitted manually to be visible to students.
The library stores plain text comments only. Plain text means your comments can include only letters, numbers, and basic punctuation — no formatting like bold, italics, colors, or links.
You may need to resize the SpeedGrader pane to better view the Comment Library. Click and drag the line between the document view and the right panel.
Instructions
Step 1. Open SpeedGrader
Navigate to your Canvas course.
Select any assignment, quiz, or discussion.
Open SpeedGrader from the options menu.
Step 2. Open Student Submission
Use the student dropdown menu to select a student who has submitted the assignment.
Use the student list to locate a student submission.
Step 3. Open Comment Library
Click the Comment Library icon (speech bubble with lines) above the submission comment box in the right-hand panel.
Note: If your course uses Assignment Enhancements, this area may be labeled “Comments for this Attempt.”
Step 4. Add Comment to Library
In the Comment Library panel, type a comment in the “Add comment to library” field.
Click “+ Add to Library” to save it for future use.
Step 5. Manage Comments in Library
To edit a comment: Click the Edit (pencil) icon, make your changes, and click Save.
To delete a comment: Click the Delete (trash can) icon next to the comment.
Step 6. Manage Comment Suggestion Setting
Toggle “Show suggestions when typing” at the bottom of the Comment Library panel to enable or disable autocomplete.
Suggestions will appear when you type the first three characters of any saved comment.
If you toggle Show suggestions while typing then Canvas will search your Speedgrader Comment Library while you are typing a submission comment. If it finds any comments with the words you have typed, it will display them for quick selection without opening the comment library.
Step 7. Add Comment From Library
Click a saved comment in the library to insert it into the comment box.
Modify it if needed, then click Submit.
Step 8. Add Comment from SpeedGrader
While typing in the comment box, select an auto-suggested comment (if suggestions are enabled).
Click the suggestion to insert it, then click Submit.
Step 9. Handle Unposted or Draft Comments
If you attempt to leave without submitting a comment, Canvas will display a warning.
Click Proceed to save the comment as a draft.
Return later to submit or delete the draft.
You can opt out of this warning per assignment and browser by selecting “Do not show again for this assignment.”
Step 10. Submit Comment
Always click the Submit button to make the comment visible to the student.
Draft or unsubmitted comments remain hidden from students until posted.
Tips for Effective Use
Only one saved comment can be used at a time. If you would like to use multiple saved comments, you can click on one from the library, then click Submit to save that comment (you may edit it first), and then repeat to apply multiple saved comments from the library.
For teams with multiple graders, consider maintaining a shared Google Doc of reusable feedback to copy into individual libraries.
Resize the SpeedGrader pane for better visibility: Drag the border between the document viewer and the comment panel.