Canvas LMS
A widely-adopted open LMS.
In short
- What it is: Learning, 6k+ GitHub stars, licensed AGPL.
- Replaces: Teachable — around $1,908/year saved.
- Installed for: $249 on your own server — you own it, no monthly platform fee.
- Licence: AGPL. AGPL obligations apply — self-host is fine; comply if offered as a service.
$1,908
replaces per year
$9,540
saved over 5 years
$249
one-time install (yours forever)
48h
delivery
Canvas LMS vs the tools it replaces.
| Feature | Commercial tool | Canvas LMS (self-hosted) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $159/mo | Your compute only |
| Branding | Vendor brand | See licence |
| Data | Vendor-hosted | On your server |
| Licence | Proprietary | AGPL |
Replaces
- Teachable — ~$159/mo
Licence posture
AGPL. AGPL obligations apply. Self-hosting is fine; comply if you offer it as a service, or buy a commercial licence.
AGPL obligations apply — self-host is fine; comply if offered as a service.
Turn it into a business.
Self-host for a client's internal use and charge for the install. If you modify and offer it as a network service, comply with AGPL — or buy a commercial licence.
Best for
Install difficulty
medium
The install, step by step.
Provision VPS + Docker
Configure secrets + provider keys
Database + storage setup
Branding + domain
HTTPS + backups
Smoke test + handover
Watch a Canvas LMS install.
We generate an architecture diagram of the repo and walk through the deployment. Enter your name and email to unlock the demo.
Install Canvas LMS — $249.
Flat fee, delivered in 24–48 hours, on your own server, with HTTPS, backups and the AI keys wired.