New to Canvas?

If you are new to Canvas, these Canvas Basics will help you to get started. Canvas also offers a wide array of student help guides. If you need to know how to do something, the Canvas Student Guide is the best place to start. The following video provides an overview of Canvas.

Please note that if you are using assistive technology, the Vimeo video player is not accessible so please see the matching text resources linked below each video.

Script for video

Supported Browsers

Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser.

Canvas supports the last two versions of every browser release. We highly recommend updating to the newest version of whatever browser you are using as well as the most up-to-date Flash plug-in. (Best Browsers for Canvas)

Mozilla Firefox
Google Chrome
Safari (Mac only)

Communicating in Canvas

Inbox icon

Please use the Canvas Inbox tool (shown at the left side of every page) to communicate with us about the course. If you see a gray circle next to the Inbox that means you have unread messages. The number in the circle indicates how many unread messages you have. Canvas messages are an official means of communication so make a point of checking these messages regularly.

Setting your Notifications

By default, your notifications will go to your IU email address. If you would like your notifications to go to an additional email address and/or if you would like to add notifications via text message, you can add these options to your notification preferences in the Account tool on the left of the page and then choose "Settings". Once you are on the Settings page, you will see a place to the right of the page to add a new email address or an "Other Contact" which would be your cell phone number if you would like text messages.

For more information or help, check out this Canvas video tutorial.

Canvas Guide on setting notifications and Video Script

Adding your Profile Picture

Whenever you send a message in the Canvas Inbox or post to a Discussion, your message or post will feature your profile picture. It is very helpful to have a picture there so people can connect a name with a face, and you can get to know each other. Profile photo placeholder

To add a profile picture, click Account and choose "Profile."Click the grey placeholder profile picture icon to get a pop up window where you can add your picture. Click the Upload a Picture tab and either choose a picture or drag one from your desktop and drop it into the uploader. Canvas will automatically store a copy of the new profile picture in your personal files.

For more information/help, check out this Canvas video tutorial.

Canvas Guide on setting your profile picture and Video Script

More Canvas Student Orientations

You can also check out these short Canvas videos to help you with tasks in Canvas:

Keep track of your assignments' due dates: Video and Canvas Guide
Submit your assignments: Video and Canvas Guide
Check your grades: Video and Canvas Guide

Canvas iOS and Android Apps

Although Canvas can be accessed through a mobile browser, it is not officially supported. Instead, they recommend using the Canvas by Instructure app. The app is compatible with the following mobile operating systems, on both tablets and mobile phones:

iOS 7.0+
Android 4.0+

The app can be downloaded through the Play Store on Android, or the App Store on iOS devices. Search for "Canvas by Instructure" and install. For more information and a link to the mobile guides from Canvas, visit Accessing Canvas via Mobile Apps on the IU Knowledge Base.

When logging in for the first time, the Canvas app will ask for your institution's url. Enter iu.instructure.com in this field. From there, you will be taken to Central Authentication Services where you should enter your IU email address and password to log in.

Technology Requirements for this Canvas Course and All Other Canvas Sites

To successfully complete this course you need a laptop or desktop computer with the latest web browser versions and reliable internet access (preferably DSL or faster). Below is a suggested list of recommended software to maximize your learning experience.

Latest Versions of Software/Plugin/Players

Adobe Reader
Microsoft Office 2016; Office 365 recommended

Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and many other programs are available free to you as an IU student through Indiana University's license agreements. You can download most of these programs directly at IUware Online. IUware requires you to log in with your IU Network ID and passphrase. Not all software is available online. If you need a program on a DVD, you can purchase discs through through your local campus bookstore or through IUware Off-Campus Software Publishing.

Getting Help

Canvas Help

Clicking on the Help icon at the bottom of the left side toolbar is also a great way to find information about Canvas.

Canvas Help icon

Help allows you to do the following:

Ask your Instructor a Question,
Search the Canvas Guides, or
Report a Problem to UITS

Need More Help with Canvas or Other Technology?

Contact the IT Support Center (Help is available 24/7) | Phone: 317-274-4357 | Email: ithelp@iu.edu | Chat: ithelplive.iu.edu

When contacting the IT Support Center, be sure you have the following information available:

Your Canvas username/ID
The course name and section number
The browser you are using
The device you are using (PC, Mac, iPad, etc.)
The error message you received, if applicable
Screenshots, if possible
A detailed description of the issue

Having this information handy will help expedite their ability to troubleshoot your issue.

Another great information source for all things IU is the Knowledge Base.