Canvas Requirements

Supported Browsers

Below is a chart of the browsers and versions that are most compatible with Canvas. Regularly update your browser manually to keep Canvas running smoothly, or set it to update automatically.

Computer Specifications

Security and Media Permissions

Chrome Security

Chrome detects insecure content and some instructors may include links to outside content that may be blocked by this security feature. Therefore, students will need to override this by clicking the "Load unsafe script" option which appears when students click on the shield in the browser address bar. 

To allow access to Canvas via Adobe Flash Player Settings: 

• Select "Allow" from the pop-up window and pop-up down bar in order to allow access into the website and for the website to have access to your camera and microphone.

Firefox Security

Similarly to Chrome, Firefox detects insecure content. To override this feature:

1. Click on the lock with a warming icon in the browser address bar. 

2. Click the arrow.

3. Select "Disable Protection for now" button. 

Screen Size

Though some users may find it easier to view Canvas on their mobile devices or on bigger screens, keep in mind that Canvas is most easily viewed at a minimum of 800x600. When the size of the browser window is reduced, the tool-bar found on the right-hand side of the window will display along the bottom of the window.

Operating Systems

Below is a list of those operating systems that are most compatible with Canvas: 

• Windows 7 and newer.

• Mac OSX 10.6 and newer.

• Linux - chrome OS

Computer Speed and Processor

• Have a computer that is 5 years old or newer

• 1GB of RAM

• 2GHz processor

Internet Speed

Canvas is able to accommodate low bandwidth environments, or slow internet speed. However, the minimum at which it can tolerate is 512kbps.

Please keep this in mind if you are unable to upload files. Try to find the best, fastest, and secure WIFI connection available to you. If your personal computer cannot support faster more secure internet, upload files into Canvas from a computer on campus or at a public library. 

Screen Readers

The most compatible screen readers with Canvas are listed below: 

• Macintosh: VoiceOver (Safari)

• PC: JAWS (Internet Explorer)

• PC: NVDA (Firefox)

Mobile Web Specifications

The Canvas app is recommended for use on mobile devices, and includes nearly all the functionality of the full site. Below is a list of Mobile operating systems that are most compatible with the Canvas app: 

• iOS 7 and newer

• Android 4.2 and newer

Below are the browser requirements for using the full site on mobile devices:

Click Here! for Canvas student Android guide

Click Here! for canvas student iOS guide

Required Plug-Ins

There are plug-ins that are required for the Canvas Rich Content Editor, Conferences feature, and the whole Canvas system for smooth functioning.

Below is a table showing what plug-ins that are required for specific Canvas features: 

Additional Resources