Kate Dyachuk, Courseware Support Intern, has complied some useful information to help you make sure your computer meets the basic requirements for Canvas. We would like to thank Kate for writing this post!
Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. It supports the last two versions of every browser release.
Two required browser components are Flash for handling media and file uploads and Java plug-in for screen sharing in Conferences (some browsers do not support Java). It’s highly recommended to update to the newest version of any browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in.
As of June 14, 2014, Canvas supports the following desktop browsers and Flash versions:
• Internet Explorer 10 and 11
• Chrome 34 and 35
• Safari 6 and 7
• Firefox 29 and 30 (Extended Releases are not supported)
• Flash 12 and 13 (for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)
For more information about Canvas supported browsers and Canvas on Mobile devices, please take a look at this guide:
Which browsers does Canvas support?
If Canvas is acting unusually, the first thing to try is either using a different browser or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. Any of these solutions might fix issues with Canvas.
To give you a better idea of what we mean by “Canvas acting unusually,” here are some examples:
- if the site freezes;
- buttons don’t work;
- file uploads don’t come through;
- you can’t access a Canvas area that you had always access to (e.g., Files);
- after sharing a computer Canvas keeps bringing you to another user’s account;
- or if you are having problems watching recorded lectures on media site or viewing an embedded video.
If you need directions on how to clear your browser’s cache we recommend checking this guide:
Computer Specifications for Canvas Users
If you’re still having issues even after you make sure you’re using a supported browser, have an updated Flash plug-in, and have cleared your cache, please contact Courseware Support for assistance at canvas@pobox.upenn.edu.
Last Updated: 16 Jul 2014