Benefits of Rubrics:

Makes the grading process fast and easy, once the rubric is set up.
Clarifies grading criteria for students and Instructors.
Helps students prioritize what matters and where to spend their energy on Assignments.
Helps ensure Instructor grading neutrality, consistency, and focus.
Demonstrates exactly why a certain grade is given--as a sum total and in increments.

Rubrics answer the most frequent questions Instructors get on grading in advance of student complaints.

Supports student improvement from feedback, focusing attention on specific areas.

Helpful Tips for Rubrics in Canvas:

A general Rubric can be designed to cover multiple Discussions, or all research papers, etc.
Key Words for constructing Rubrics: Criteria, Ratings, Points.

Rubrics are based upon points for individual assignments.
Rubric points must match assignment points.

If you use a a rubric for more than one assignment be sure points always match, or make a new rubric.

Keep the wording polite and friendly. Without the benefit of verbal tone and body language, rubrics can unintentionally seem harsh and unfriendly.
Manage Rubrics through the "Outcomes" tab.
If a rubric is used in more than one place, you cannot change it.

Duplicate or change rubric names first before using in multiple areas, if you want to make individual adjustments.

Add a rubric when constructing assignments and discussions, so students know how they will be graded.
The same Rubric you use for the assignment will show in SpeedGrader--and speed your grading process considerably.

Process for Making a New Rubric:

Write your rubric completely in a WordDoc first.
Ratings flow from "full marks" to "lowest marks" in Canvas. Make your WordDoc list marks from high-to-low to avoid confusion.
Copy and paste perfected text into the Canvas rubric text box.

Use a short name for each criteria (1-2 words) then paste the details into the "long description" box.
Individual criteria can have a different number of ratings and points, if desired.
Hover and click on "dividing lines" to add a new rating square.

Link to full tutorial on Process for Making a New Rubric.

Process for Duplicating & Renaming a Rubric:

View the brief instructions below (expert reminder) or access the link to the tutorial Process for Duplicating & Renaming a Rubric with directions and photos.

Start with an Assignment in the Assignment tab.
Locate tiny gear icon in the upper right corner-->“Add Rubric”-->”Find a Rubric”-->Select best match rubric from list-->”Use This Rubric”--> select pencil icon in title line--> “Edit”-->Rename to match assignment name-->edit any features--> be sure point values match assignment--> “Update Rubric.”
Link to full tutorial on Process for Duplicating & Renaming a Rubric with directions and screenshots.

More information:

How to create a rubric: https://guides.instructure.com/m/4152/l/86227-how-do-i-create-a-rubric-in-my-course

What is a rubric: https://guides.instructure.com/m/4152/l/39716-what-is-a-rubric

Canvas Guide for Adding a Rubric to an Assignment