Canvas 101 for Students Browsers & Plug-ins

Browsers, Plug-ins, & Blank Pages

Instructions: Click on the tabs below to learn which web browsers are recommended for using with Canvas, which plug-ins can help you extend the capabilities of your web browsers, and why you might occasionally experience blank pages.

Web Browsers

There are a few things you need to check on your computer to make sure everything is in place for you to start taking classes. The web browser you use in an important factor in making sure everything works in Canvas. Let's make sure you have everything you need. For best results, we strongly suggest that you use either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox and check that your browser is up to date.

Recommended Browsers
Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox

Google Chrome	Mozilla Firefox

While Canvas strives to be functional across multiple browsers, many students have reported difficulties using Canvas with these browsers: Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating "Your browser does not meet minimum requirements for Canvas." If you have upgraded your browser but you are still seeing the warning banner, try logging out of Canvas and deleting your browser's cache. (View Clearing Cache on a PC or View Clearing Cache on a Mac).

Plug-ins

Plug-Ins are software that extend the capabilities of your web browser. To use all the features of Canvas, it is important that you download the plug-ins necessary for your computer. If you just downloaded a new browser, you don't need to worry about this since the browser is up to date. If you already have one of the recommended browsers, it would be a good idea to make sure everything is current. Below is a list of plug-ins you may need.

Recommended Plug-Ins
Adobe Flash	Adobe Reader	Java

Adobe Flash	Adobe Reader	Java

Blank Pages

Some browsers may occasionally make modifications to privacy settings to protect users from possible unsecured content. Unsecured 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. What are the differences between http and https?

Knowledge Check

To use all the features of Canvas, it is important that you (MO1-2)

install Microsoft Edge, Safari, or download the plug-ins necessary for your computer.

Incorrect. We strongly recommend that you use either Google Chrome of Mozilla Firefox to ensure you can use all the features of Canvas. You can also download plug-ins that will extend the capabilities of your web browser.

install Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, or download the plug-ins necessary for your computer.

Incorrect. We strongly recommend that you use either Google Chrome of Mozilla Firefox to ensure you can use all the features of Canvas. You can also download plug-ins that will extend the capabilities of your web browser.

install Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or download the plug-ins necessary for your computer.

Incorrect. We strongly recommend that you use either Google Chrome of Mozilla Firefox to ensure you can use all the features of Canvas. You can also download plug-ins that will extend the capabilities of your web browser.

install Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or download the plug-ins necessary for your computer.

Correct! We strongly recommend that you use either Google Chrome of Mozilla Firefox to ensure you can use all the features of Canvas. You can also download plug-ins that will extend the capabilities of your web browser.

Check Answer