What is a Web Browser?

A web browser is a program that you use to navigate the internet. In fact, if you're reading this, you're using one right now!

The default web browser in Windows is called Internet Explorer. You probably easily recognize it by the big blue E!

The default web browser in Apple computers is Safari.

There are many other browsers available for free download. Here are the most common:

Google Chrome
Firefox
Opera
There is even a Windows version of Safari!

What Browser Should I Use?

Because it's built using web standards, 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.

As of May 3, 2014, we support the following desktop browsers and Flash versions:

Chrome 33 and newer
Safari 6 and newer
Firefox 31 and newer (Extended Releases are not supported)
Flash 11 and newer (for recording or viewing audio/video and uploading files)

Some supported browsers may still produce a banner stating Your browser does not meet the 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 cookies. Click here for help with clearing your cache.

If you are using an unsupported browser, you can update your browser, or you can dismiss the warning banner during the duration of your browser session. For instance, testing centers can dismiss the banner and it won't appear until the next browser session.

Update Your Desktop Browser

There are a couple of different ways to update your desktop browser.

1. Every time you open your browser, it will check to make sure it is using the most current version. If it is not updated, your browser will prompt you with a notification and walk you through the update process.

2. Download the latest version of your desktop browser directly. Click the name of your browser below to visit your browser's download page:

Chrome

Safari
Firefox
Flash

What Browser Plug-ins Do I Need?

It is advisable to have the latest versions of Adobe Flash and Java installed for the browser you plan to use with Canvas. You can obtain those below.

Flash

Java

Canvas on Mobile Devices

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.(Note: At this time, Canvas apps are only available in English.)

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

Mobile Browsers

Visit the Apple store or the Play store to download mobile browsers. The following major browsers are compatible with mobile devices but Canvas features may not be supported:

iOS

Safari (default browser that opens from Canvas)
Chrome
Photon Flash Player (supports Flash )

Android

Internet
Firefox
Chrome

Note: Android default browser varies per mobile device.