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OpenStax

openstax.org

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Spec score 8.9 #3 of 28 in Digital Textbook Platforms

What it is

OpenStax is a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes free, openly licensed textbooks and related materials for introductory courses. Subject matter experts write the textbooks, which are peer-reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Books can be read online on the web, Android or iOS, or downloaded as free PDFs; low-cost print editions are also offered. Most titles are accessible without an account, although a small number require sign-in. Students can highlight, take notes and create study guides, with a free student account required for some features. Educators with a free account can access test banks, PowerPoint slides, solutions manuals and customization tools. OpenStax Assignable lets instructors assign readings, assessments and supporting materials through an LMS, with automatic grading and gradebook synchronization. It supports LTI 1.3 and Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace and Moodle. Textbooks cost nothing. Assignable starts at $15, paid once, billed per student per semester; instructors use it free, and a two-week trial begins on the first day of access. Institutional pricing is by contact.

Spec sheet

What it does
OpenStax is a Rice University nonprofit initiative publishing free peer-reviewed educational materials and learning tools.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Audience
OpenStax provides free, openly licensed textbooks and affordable technology for introductory courses.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Integrations
Assignable supports LTI 1.3 and major LMS platforms including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Support
OpenStax says its support team helps instructors and students with questions about textbooks, instructor resources, and Assignable through its support center or email.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Founded
2012Read 28 Sep 2026 · openstax.org
Accessibility
OpenStax works toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA and Section 508 compliance and uses Level Access for automated and manual accessibility reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
API licence
The openstax_api repository is released under the MIT license and documents Gemfile installation and test commands.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
API repository
The public openstax_api Ruby repository provides versioned API controllers, models, route helpers and Doorkeeper application extensions.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Assignable
Assignable lets instructors assign readings, assessments, and supporting materials in their LMS, with auto-grading and automatic gradebook sync.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Assignable accessibility report
The September 2025 Assignable accessibility report covers WCAG 2.2 Levels A and AA and lists some criteria as partially supported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · storage.pardot.com
Assignable features
Assignable lets instructors create LMS assignments using readings, assessment questions and interactive supplemental material.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Assignable scope limit
The entire textbook library can be assigned, but full assessment and supplemental support is available only for some titles.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Content licence
OpenStax books use Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike licensing, requiring attribution, noncommercial use and identical licensing for adaptations.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Current service status
OpenStax's status page reports Assignable, openstax.org and Accounts as fully operational with no known issues.Read 14 Oct 2026 · status.openstax.org
Exercises API
The Exercises API exposes books, exercises, publications, users and vocabulary endpoints, using OAuth or a session and versioned Accept headers.Read 14 Oct 2026 · exercises.openstax.org
Format limit
EPUB downloads were discontinued because OpenStax says they represented about one percent of usage; current formats include web, PDF, DOCX and print.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Formats
Textbooks are available online on any device and as free PDF downloads; low-cost print editions are also offered.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Free access limits
Most textbooks can be read without an account, but a small number of titles require sign-in and select student features require a free account.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
History
OpenStax began as Connexions in 1999 and became OpenStax in 2012.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Independent value study
A Frontiers in Education experiment found preference shifted toward open textbooks after participants saw prices, and OpenStax samples received a mean fair value of $41.95.Read 14 Oct 2026 · frontiersin.org
Instructor resources
A verified free educator account can unlock title-dependent test banks, PowerPoint slides, solution manuals and customization tools.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Integration limit
OpenStax does not support beta, sandbox or test LMS environments, and unsupported LTI systems receive no integration guidance.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Limit: Android login
AppBrain comments repeatedly report login failures that prevented highlighting and note-taking, with one reviewer preferring the website.Read 14 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Limit: Instructor supplements
Faculty in the ERIC study cited missing test banks and PowerPoint materials and said editing chapters could be complicated.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.eric.ed.gov
Limit: Mobile app coverage
The historical Android app listing records complaints about fewer books, missing subjects, weak search and no synchronization with the website.Read 14 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Limit: Physics readability
An independent reviewer describes the 1,269-page College Physics book as dense, small-font and wordy, with a sparse index that can overwhelm first-year students.Read 14 Oct 2026 · open.umn.edu
Limit: Reading ergonomics
The same study reports complaints about eyestrain, laptop distraction and difficulty highlighting or annotating, while 52% preferred printed copies.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.eric.ed.gov
LMS grade tools
Assignable provides auto-grading and grade passback through its LTI integration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
LMS integrations
Supported integrations include Blackboard Learn and Ultra, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, Moodle 3.10 or later, Schoology and other LTI 1.3 systems.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Maker founding
OpenStax began as Connexions in 1999 and became OpenStax in 2012 under founder Richard G. Baraniuk.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Maker size
LinkedIn lists OpenStax as a 51–200 employee organization headquartered in Houston, Texas.Read 14 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Notable news
PRNewswire reported on August 17, 2026 that Fullglass Education joined the OpenStax Technology Partner Program to turn OpenStax content into interactive courseware with quizzes, analytics and LMS integration.Read 14 Oct 2026 · prnewswire.com
Praise: Cost and access
Trustburn reviewers repeatedly praise free, comprehensive textbooks, easy navigation and supplemental quizzes or interactive resources.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustburn.com
Praise: Independent student survey
An ERIC-indexed study of 1,299 biology students found 64% rated OpenStax quality comparable to other textbooks and 22% rated it higher.Read 14 Oct 2026 · files.eric.ed.gov
Rating on AppBrain Google Play listing
3.56 out of 5 from 620 ratings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Rating on AppBrain historical OpenStax app
4.47 out of 5 from 410 ratings.Read 14 Oct 2026 · appbrain.com
Rating on Trustburn
4 out of 5 from 12 reviews.Read 14 Oct 2026 · trustburn.com
Rating: College Physics review
The Open Textbook Library review scores comprehensiveness, accuracy, relevance, consistency, modularity and organization 4 out of 5; clarity and interface 2 out of 5.Read 14 Oct 2026 · open.umn.edu
Security certification limit
Assignable says its HECVAT and accessibility report are available on request but that it currently has no SOC 2 report or TX-RAMP certification.Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org
Self-hosting
OpenStax documents public repositories and APIs but does not publish a supported self-hosting deployment for its reader or Assignable service.Read 14 Oct 2026 · github.com
Student study tools
Logged-in users can highlight, add notes and create study guides in the online reader, while mobile devices can view but not edit highlights and notes.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Student tools
Students can highlight, take notes, and create study guides in the book; select features require a free student account.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Technology partners
OpenStax lists more than 30 technology partners providing tools such as virtual labs, adaptive practice and AI resources mapped to its materials.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Textbook access
Most textbooks can be read online without an account, and downloadable PDFs are free.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Textbook review
Textbooks are written by subject matter experts, peer-reviewed for accuracy, and updated regularly.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
Textbook updates
Online textbooks are maintained without expiration dates and are updated at no charge.Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
What it is
OpenStax is a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes free, peer-reviewed educational materials.Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org

Plans and prices

OpenStax textbooks Free Online access · PDF downloads · no expiration · low-cost print available Read 14 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
OpenStax Assignable $15, paid once per student, per semester Starts at $15 per student per semester; two-week free trial from first day of access; free for instructors; institutional pricing by contact Read 7 Oct 2026 · openstax.org
OpenStax Assignable Priced on request per student, per course, per semester Two-week student trial · LMS access required · institutional licenses available · full support varies by title Read 14 Oct 2026 · help.openstax.org

Every OpenStax plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Textbooks include free online access and PDF downloads.
  • Books are peer-reviewed and regularly updated.
  • Educator accounts unlock teaching resources.
  • Assignable supports LTI 1.3 and major LMS platforms.
  • Students can annotate books and create study guides.

Limits

  • A small number of titles require sign-in.
  • Some student features require a free account.
  • Assignable starts at $15, paid once per student per semester.
  • Some Assignable accessibility criteria are partially supported.

Who it suits

OpenStax suits students and educators in introductory courses who want open textbooks and supporting course materials. Assignable is aimed at instructors who assign and assess course work through an LMS.

OpenStax in depth

Read the full write-up

OpenStax is a nonprofit education initiative of Rice University that publishes peer-reviewed materials for introductory courses. It is best for students and instructors whose courses can use its textbooks and free teaching resources. The core reading is free, but instructors seeking LMS-based assignments should weigh Assignable’s per-student semester charge.

Overview

OpenStax’s books are written by subject-matter experts, reviewed for accuracy, and updated regularly. Most titles are readable without an account, with free PDFs for offline reading and low-cost print editions for students who prefer paper. That combination makes it a strong fit when an introductory course is covered by its catalog and keeping textbook costs down matters. A small number of titles require sign-in, and some student features need a free account.

OpenStax began as Connexions in 1999 and became OpenStax in 2012. Students can highlight, take notes, and make study guides in books. OpenStax says its digital materials strive to meet WCAG 2.2 AA standards; the September 2025 Assignable report covers WCAG 2.2 Levels A and AA and marks some criteria partially supported. Support for textbook, educator-resource, and Assignable questions is available through a support center or email.

Key features

Books and teaching resources

A free educator account provides test banks, PowerPoint slides, solutions manuals, and customization tools. These resources can help instructors prepare or adapt a course without a textbook purchase, though their value depends on whether an OpenStax title suits the syllabus.

Assignable and LMS integration

Assignable lets instructors place readings, assessments, and supporting materials in an LMS, with auto-grading and automatic gradebook sync. It supports LTI 1.3 and major platforms including Blackboard, Canvas, D2L Brightspace, and Moodle. This is the paid layer for instructors who want assignments managed alongside their existing course workflow; it is unnecessary for classes that only need the books and educator materials.

Pricing

OpenStax textbooks — free. Online reading and PDF downloads are free, with low-cost print editions offered separately. This plan suits students and instructors who need the books and teaching resources but not Assignable’s LMS-based assignments.

OpenStax Assignable — $15, paid once. The price starts at $15 per student per semester. Instructors use it free, and institutions can contact OpenStax for pricing. A two-week free trial begins on the first day of access. The per-student semester charge makes it important for course organizers to account for enrollment; the trial offers a short chance to assess the workflow before committing.

Platforms

OpenStax supports Android, iOS, and web access, including desktop and mobile devices. Books can be downloaded as PDFs for offline reading. Read-aloud support is available, alongside in-book annotation tools.

Who it's for

OpenStax suits students looking for no-cost introductory course reading and instructors who can use its titles and want free teaching materials. It is also a fit for instructors who need readings and graded assignments integrated into a supported LMS and are comfortable with the semester fee. Courses requiring a specific textbook outside its catalog, or instructors who do not need Assignable, have less reason to adopt its paid layer.

Pros and cons

Free, peer-reviewed books: regular updates and free PDFs make it practical to assign course reading without requiring a textbook purchase.

Useful educator materials at no cost: test banks, slides, solutions manuals, and customization tools support course preparation.

Assignments fit existing LMS workflows: LTI 1.3 support, auto-grading, and gradebook sync can reduce manual course administration.

Some access requires an account: a few titles require sign-in, and select student tools require a free account.

Assignable adds a per-student cost: its starting price is charged per student per semester, which may not suit a course that only needs reading materials.

Alternatives

For a broader browse across open educational resources, see Open Educational Resource Platforms; for digital textbook options, compare Digital Textbook Platforms.

SkillsCommons is a free repository for browsing and downloading materials without an account, and is worth considering when that access model is the priority. Choose LibreTexts if its free core platform and up to five custom textbooks per institution better suit your institution’s authoring needs. DIKSHA is another free option, built using MIT-licensed Sunbird technology. African Storybook focuses on thousands of openly licensed picture storybooks and free Reader and Maker apps. CK-12 FlexBook 2.0 offers free customizable digital textbooks, with content varying by subject and book. Saylor Academy is a better fit for self-paced courses: its 164 courses and study materials are free, while proctored exams cost $5 USD per exam. Lumen Learning offers supported courses with a $35 per term course support fee. Open Michigan is a free alternative.

Verdict

Choose OpenStax when an introductory course can use its peer-reviewed books and free educator resources: free online access and PDFs are a clear advantage. Look elsewhere if your course depends on a different text, or if Assignable’s per-student semester fee does not justify its LMS assignment and grading tools.

Verdict

OpenStax provides free textbooks with educator resources and optional LMS-based assignments. Check whether the account requirements and Assignable’s per-student semester price fit the way your course will use it.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to OpenStaxAll alternatives →