Product workflows2026-11-073 min read

Restrict a Canny Board to Customers

Set the board’s access to Custom and allow identified existing users. Use a user segment when only a specific customer cohort should participate.

Before you start: Use an Owner account and Pro or Business access to Custom boards. Have a working Identify SDK or SSO path for the intended users.

Worked example: A beta board should admit authenticated customers, while an anonymous visitor and a noncustomer email should not see its feedback. An Admin account is not a useful denied-user test.

Step-by-step guide

01

Choose the access model

Use Custom for a restricted customer audience. Private boards are Admin-only, so they are not the same as a customer login wall.

02

Set the board control

Open Canny Settings → Boards, select the board and change its access to Custom.

03

Choose the customer criterion

Grant access to existing users identified through the SDK or SSO. For a narrower cohort, select its existing user segment instead.

04

Exercise allowed access

Sign in as an intended customer through the real product flow and open the board. Check posting and voting only where intended.

05

Exercise denied access

Use a separate unauthenticated session and a user outside the cohort. Confirm they cannot access the board, while recognizing Admins retain access.

Common mistakes

Testing only as an Admin

All Canny Admins can view Custom boards. Use ordinary user sessions to validate the boundary.

Sources and verification

Based on product documentation checked on 2026-11-04. This is a documentation-based guide, not a hands-on benchmark. Features and availability can change.

Frequently asked questions

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