Software and apps

For a newer computer there is normally no need to download anything. Canvas works great with Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari. Feel free to choose from these web browsers.

If any problems shoud arise, most likely you will need to update your browser. If you like to know more about the browser you are currently using and checking if it needs an update or not, go to www.whatismybrowser.com Links to an external site.

If you have an older computer, chances are it too needs an update: 

• If you have an older MAC: Click the Apple - System Preferences - Software Update to check if there is an update. Using Safari your operating system must at least be version macOs 10.12. To be able to use Chrome your operating system must at least be version macOs 10.10.
• If you have an older Windows computer: Internet Explorer, which is the standard web broser on Windows 7, will not work with Canvas.  Instead, both Firefox and Chrome can be installed on Windows 7.  If you have an even older version of Windows, Chrome or Firefox might not be able to install - in that case, your computer might be too old for Canvas and it's functionality.
• If you have a Chromebook: Chromebooks auto update. If you experience any problems, your Chromebook might need a restart to initiate the latest updates. More help from Google on how to check for updates Links to an external site..

 

Some courses contain course content that require a special application. For instance, it's very common that you need an application to open PDF files, such as the free software Adobe Acrobat Reader Links to an external site..

In some courses there are lectures that require Flash Player to be installed and enabled. Help with installing and activating Flash can be found at Adobe Links to an external site..

There are also courses where special software is required to complete the course, such as GIS programs, SPSS, CAD or image and design programs. In some cases, you can get these programs for free at school, in other cases you may have to pay a student license. Read the course description and ask your teacher if you are unsure of what software is needed in your course or how to get them.

 

Mobile and tablet

If you want to use Canvas on your mobile or tablet, we recommend that you download the Canvas Student application for iOS or Android. It is also possible to use the same app you use for browsing the Internet.

Watch a clip about Canvas Student for Android Links to an external site.

Watch a clip about Canvas Student for iOs Links to an external site.

Links to an external site. Links to an external site.

Canvas Student Android Guide Links to an external site.

Canvas Student iOS Guide Links to an external site.

Links to an external site.
 

Adjust the app - hide locks and choose courses for the Dashboard

In Canvas Student app, you might be seeing locks on your courses. The locks indicate that grades are not final (all grades in Canvas are preliminary). The locks do not mean that the course is locked for you in any way!

To hide the locks, click menu navigation (1) and turn off Show Grades option (2).

To choose what courses you want displayed on the Dashboard, click the pen symbol [Android] or Edit/Ändra [iOs] (3)

 

 

QUESTIONS? Contact Umeå university support. We need your name, the course name and a detailed description of the problem.