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Creating and Attaching Rubrics to Canvas Assignments

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Overview

Rubrics are an excellent tool for clearly communicating assignment expectations and grading criteria. In Canvas, you can create and attach rubrics to assignments to help students understand how their work will be evaluated—and to streamline your grading process. 

This guide walks you through building, attaching, and (optionally) enabling rubrics for grading. 

Estimated Time to Complete: 10 – 20 minutes per rubric 

Instructions

  1. Navigate to the Assignment
    • Log in to Learn@Capitol (Canvas) 
    • Open your course and click Assignments 
    • Select the assignment you want to attach a rubric to 
  1. Add a Rubric
    • Scroll to the bottom of the assignment page 
    • Click + Rubric
      • A rubric builder will appear with default rows and columns. 
  1. Build Your Rubric
    • To customize the rubric: 
      • Edit the criteria: Click the pencil icon next to a criterion to rename it (e.g., Thesis Clarity, Grammar & Mechanics, Use of Sources) 
      • Add rating levels: Customize point values and descriptions (e.g., Exceeds Expectations – 10 points) 
      • Add more rows: Click + Criterion to add another grading category 
      • Adjust total points: The rubric will calculate the total possible points automatically 
  1. (Optional) Use the Rubric for Grading
    • If you want Canvas to use the rubric to calculate assignment grades automatically: 
      • Check the box for Use this rubric for assignment grading
        • This box must be checked before you begin grading submissions. 
  1. Save the Rubric
    • Once finished, click Create Rubric 
    • The rubric will now appear below the assignment
      • You can still edit the rubric after saving unless it’s already been used to grade submissions. 

Tips for Effective Rubrics 

    • Use consistent point scales across all assignments 
    • Include 3–5 clearly labeled performance levels (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Needs Improvement) 
    • Write student-friendly descriptions to clarify expectations 
    • Keep the total points aligned with the assignment’s point value 

Reusing Rubrics 

  • If you’ve already created a rubric you want to reuse: 
    • Click + Rubric 
    • Choose Find a Rubric 
    • Navigate to your course or another course you’ve taught 
    • Select the rubric and click Use This Rubric 

Troubleshooting

Issue 

Solution 

“Use this rubric for assignment grading” is grayed out 

You may have already graded submissions. Remove grades first, or create a new assignment 

Can’t edit a rubric 

Once a rubric has been used for grading, it becomes locked. Duplicate it and make changes to the copy 

Rubric total doesn’t match assignment points 

Canvas will prompt you to update the assignment point value or adjust the rubric total 

Still Need Help?

Need help building an effective rubric or troubleshooting grading issues? Contact the Online Learning team at ask@captechu.edu. 

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