The LearnDash Notes add-on has long been a quiet powerhouse — a flexible tool that supports learner engagement, reflection, and instructor communication. But let’s be honest: its outdated styling made it feel like a relic, not a resource.

That changes today.

We’ve modernized the Notes add-on from the ground up, bringing it into alignment with LearnDash’s evolving design system and making it easier to use, recommend, and build upon. Whether you’re a course creator, trainer, or educator, here’s what you need to know — and why it matters.

A Refreshed Look That Works Everywhere

The first thing you’ll notice is the styling: it’s cleaner, clearer, and consistent with the rest of the LearnDash experience. This update applies to both the Classic and Modern Appearance templates (with Modern nearing full release), ensuring a seamless integration into your course design.

Key visual improvements include:

• Updated modal icon that’s responsive and brand-aligned
  
• Refined note form that reduces clutter and supports focused learning
  
• Refreshed styling for submitted notes, with clearer instructor replies
  
• Accordion UI improvements for better scanning and accessibility
  
• Added headers for greater section clarity
  

These changes aren’t just aesthetic — they’re strategic. A better-looking, easier-to-use Notes add-on means more learners will engage with it, and more instructors will recommend it.

Accessibility and Usability: Built In, Not Bolted On

We didn’t just make it prettier. This update includes several accessibility enhancements that will eventually be included in our accessibility conformance report. We’ve:

• Improved keyboard navigation and screen reader support
  
• Refined contrast and color usage for better visibility
  
• Made the UI more predictable and consistent for all users
  

The default color palette now better aligns with our brand and ensures high contrast where it matters most. And for learners using assistive tech, the experience is smoother and more intuitive.

A Heads-Up for Customized Sites

This new styling is enabled automatically upon updating — which means if you’ve customized the Notes appearance in the past, you’ll want to test things first. We strongly recommend testing in a staging environment before going live.

Depending on how you applied your customizations, you might not see the changes at first. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Navigate to WP Admin > LearnDash > Notes > Settings > Styling
   
2. Clear all customizations so the settings match the new default
   
3. Click Save — and enjoy the upgraded experience.

From here, you can add your custom colors and icons again as needed. 

Why This Matters: Notes Are a Hidden Engagement Engine

The Notes add-on offers two key benefits:

1. Private Learner Reflection: Students can take notes as they progress, reinforcing retention and focus through self-directed learning.
   
2. Instructor Dialogue: Learners can send notes directly to admins, fostering ongoing feedback and a human touch — without relying on external tools.
   

By elevating the design and usability, we’re unlocking the full potential of this underused feature. With clearer UI, stronger accessibility, and broader template compatibility, the Notes add-on is ready to become a cornerstone of your learner engagement strategy.

Final Thoughts: Small Feature, Big Impact

This 2025 refresh turns a once-overlooked feature into a standout learning tool. It reflects our commitment to building not just a powerful LMS, but a thoughtful, accessible, and modern learning experience from top to bottom.

So if you haven’t used LearnDash Notes lately — or ever — now’s the perfect time to take a second look.

Update your site, reset your styles, and start leveraging the full power of Notes to improve learner outcomes and instructor communication.