Software Updates
FXCanvas can keep itself up to date. It checks an online release feed, and when a newer version is available it downloads, verifies, and installs it — guided by the system's standard update dialogs. Updates are cryptographically signed, so only genuine FXCanvas builds are installed.
Checking for Updates
Open Edit → Settings → Updates.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Check for updates automatically | When enabled, FXCanvas checks once at startup |
| Update Channel | Choose Stable or Beta (see below) |
| Check Now | Check for an update immediately |
You can also check from Help → Check for Updates.
When an update is found, FXCanvas shows a standard update prompt with release notes. If you choose to install, it downloads the update, verifies its signature, and restarts into the new version. FXCanvas saves your work before restarting.
Check Now is disabled while an update is already downloading or installing — a "An update operation is currently in progress…" message appears until it finishes.
Release Channels
| Channel | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Stable | Everyone — production-ready releases. This is the default. |
| Beta | Early adopters who want pre-release builds for testing. Beta builds may be less stable. |
Switch channels at any time in Settings → Updates. If you've been on Beta and want to return to released builds only, select Stable.
Some builds of FXCanvas don't expose the Beta channel — if you don't see the channel selector, your build is Stable-only.
Privacy
Update checks are designed to reveal as little as possible. As stated in the Updates tab:
Update checks send only the running version, platform, and a User-Agent. No license, machine ID, cookies, or personal data are transmitted.
For more detail, see the privacy documentation linked from the Updates tab.
Troubleshooting
"Updater is not available in this build"
Automatic updates require a release build of FXCanvas. Development and test builds don't include the updater. Download a release build from fxc.studio.
No update is found, but you expect one
- Confirm your channel — a Beta build won't appear while you're on the Stable channel
- Check your internet connection and any firewall or proxy that might block the update feed
- Try Check Now again — an earlier check may still have been in progress
An update won't install
- Make sure FXCanvas has permission to write to its install location (on Windows, that may require administrator rights)
- Close any second copy of FXCanvas before installing
Related Topics
- Installation & Requirements — installing FXCanvas in the first place
- Licensing — your license carries across updates
- Analytics & Privacy — other privacy controls