Recommended Browsers

Canvas only supports the most updates versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.

Internet Explorer and Edge don’t “play well” with Canvas, particularly with the Submit button for Assignments and Quizzes. Have at least two browsers installed on your computer so if you run into an issue with one, you can easily switch to the other. (That often resolves the issue.) Keep your browsers, Adobe Flash, and Java updated.

More information about Canvas supported browsers can be found in the Canvas Community, under Which browsers does Canvas support?

Notification Preferences (How Canvas Sends You Alerts)

Do you want a text notification when your Instructor grades your assignment? Do you want an email sent to your Gmail account when a due date changes? Do you want these notifications ASAP or only once a day? Canvas allows you to set things up exactly the way you want them so take advantage of it! Click on Account (your photo) in the Global Navigation, then select Notifications.

Learn more about setting your notification preferences.

Go Mobile For Instant Updates!

Canvas Student App Canvas has a FREE app for Android and iPhone that many students like better than accessing Canvas through the internet browser on your phone.

NOTE: Do NOT take quizzes using the mobile app. Not all quiz settings or question types are compatible with the mobile app yet which could affect your final score.

For more information on using Canvas on your mobile device, read “How can I use Canvas on my mobile device?”

Don’t Miss Assignment Feedback

Look for the feedback or speech icons next to assignments in the gradebook. Here you can see feedback and comments from your instructor. For a list of what these icons represent, read “How do I use the icons and colors in the Gradebook?”

Read more about how to view feedback comments from your instructors.

Check Out the “What If” Grades

As a student, you can view your grades based on “What If” scores which let you know how your overall grade will be affected by upcoming assignments. Go to your course and click on Grades, then enter a hypothetical grade for any ungraded items.

Read more about “What-If” scores.

Tips When Working On Discussions, Assignments, or Quizzes

Don’t Lose Your Typed Responses!

Web Error Image It’s a good practice to first save longer discussion and assignment responses in a Word document (or Notepad) before copying and pasting it into your Canvas assignment. This avoids losing your work in case of any kind of glitch during the submission process. If that happens, you’ll still have a back-up of all your hard work.

You will have to use your keyboard to paste your work into Canvas, use "Crtl" + "V" to paste.

Embedding Images in a Discussion Reply

Copying and pasting an image into your discussion reply typically doesn’t work well. Use the “embed image” icon on the Rich Content Editor toolbar.

Read “how to embed an image in a discussion reply.”

Download and Save All Your Assignments at Once

There is a quick and easy way to download all the assignment files you've submitted to Canvas so you have a record of your work (which could be helpful in transferring to another school/program or even a job application).

Learn how to download your assignment submissions.

Need More Technical Help?

Select the "Canvas Help" icon/link off your Global Navigation menu to see who you can reach out to and when!

Chat with 24/7 Canvas Student Support via the "Canvas Help" icon on your global navigation.
Submit a DE Support Service Ticket for additional technical support.

Canvas Student Guides

Use these quick-reference lessons on Canvas Basics.

View the entire up-to-date list of student guides for all the main features in Canvas. (If you prefer to watch rather than read, check out these student video guides.)