What are the basic computer specifications for Canvas?

Screen Size

• Canvas is best viewed at a minimum of 800×600, which is the average size of a notebook computer. If you want to view Canvas on a device with a smaller screen, we recommend using the Canvas mobile app.

Operating Systems

• Windows 7 and newer (users on Windows 10 need to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments)
• Mac OSX 10.6 and newer
• Linux – chromeOS

Mobile Operating System Native App Support

• iOS 7 and newer (versions vary by device)
• Android 4.2 and newer

Computer Speed and Processor

• Use a computer 5 years old or newer when possible
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GHz processor

Internet Speed 

A broadband Internet connection is strongly recommended. Slower connections should still be able to access e-Learning, but will take longer to load. A wired Ethernet connection is more dependable for test-taking than a wireless connection. Special Note about Satellite service: Some users with satellite Internet service may find their online courses do not load quickly or consistently due to satellite network design issues.

• Along with compatibility and web standards, Canvas has been carefully crafted to accommodate low bandwidth environments.
• Minimum of 512kbps

Canvas supports the current and first previous major releases of the following browsers:

• Internet Explorer 11 and Edge (Windows only—please make sure your operating system is also current as noted in the computer specifications lesson; you may need to download the Windows 10 Anniversary Update to submit Canvas assignments)
• Safari 9 and 10 (Macintosh only)
• Chrome 57 and 58
• Firefox 52 and 53 (Extended Releases (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. are not supported)
• Flash 24 and 25 (used for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)
• Respondus Lockdown Browser (supporting the latest system requirements)

See “Which browsers does Canvas support? (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.” (https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10720)

Required Components: Flash Links to an external site is required in several places in Canvas: media recording/streaming and viewing as well as uploading files to a course or an assignment. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas. The Java plug-in (Links to an external site.) is required for screen sharing in Conferences.

Are you recording or viewing audio/videos in Canvas?

Flash is required for recording or viewing audio/videos. Other than these features, Flash is not required to use most areas of Canvas. Please note that some browsers may no longer support Flash.

The Java plug-in is required for screen sharing in Conferences. Please note that some browsers do not support Java. Otherwise, there are no other browser plug-ins used by Canvas.

JavaScript must be enabled to run Canvas.

My browser keeps displaying a warning for insecure content on Canvas. What do I do?

We recommend following any browser security policies established by your institution, especially if you are using Canvas on a computer provided by your institution.

When displaying content, Canvas defaults to the preference set by a specific browser. Some browsers may occasionally make modifications to privacy settings to protect users from possible insecure content. Insecure content is identified with the prefix http:// in the URL and can create mixed content in your Canvas Page. Secured content is identified with the https:// prefix in the URL. For the best user experience, content should be secure to avoid browser conflicts.

See the “Browser Privacy Settings” section: http://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support#BrowserPrivacySettings

You will find sections on:

1. Chrome (http://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support#ChromeSecurity)
2. Firefox (http://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support#FirefoxSecurity)

Can I use my mobile device to view Canvas courses?

The Canvas interface was optimized for desktop displays, so using small form factors such as phones may not be a pleasant experience in using Canvas. Canvas is not officially supported on mobile browsers. We recommend using Canvas mobile applications for an improved user experience.

Since Canvas uses small elements of Flash, not all Canvas features may be supported on mobile devices, especially on iOS.

For information about viewing Canvas courses on Mobile devices, see “Canvas on Mobile Devices” http://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support#Canvas-on-Mobile-Devices

For questions or more information, please contact our office.