Academica

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Canvas Sync

The Academica extension automatically syncs your Canvas data. This guide explains how syncing works and what to expect.

How Automatic Sync Works#

When You Visit Canvas#

  1. You navigate to your school's Canvas site
  2. The extension detects Canvas automatically
  3. It scans the page for assignment information
  4. New or updated data is sent to Academica
  5. Your web app updates within seconds

What Triggers a Sync#

Syncing happens when you:

  • Log into Canvas
  • Visit your Canvas dashboard
  • Open a course page
  • View the assignments list
  • Check your grades

What Gets Synced#

Assignments#

  • Assignment title
  • Description
  • Due date and time
  • Points possible
  • Assignment type (homework, test, project, etc.)

Grades#

  • Individual assignment grades
  • Course grades
  • Grade categories (if available)
  • Points earned vs. possible

Courses#

  • Course names
  • Course codes
  • Active/inactive status

Sync Timing#

Real-time Sync#

Most data syncs immediately:

  • New assignments appear right away
  • Grade updates show within seconds
  • Course changes reflect quickly

Background Sync#

Some data syncs periodically:

  • Full course list refreshes every few hours
  • Historical grades may take longer
  • Large assignments lists sync in batches

Sync Status#

In the Extension Popup#

Click the Academica icon to see:

  • Last Synced - When the last sync occurred
  • Assignments - Total assignments synced
  • Status - Current sync state

Status Indicators#

StatusMeaning
SyncedEverything is up to date
Syncing...Currently sending data
PendingWaiting to sync
ErrorSomething went wrong

What Doesn't Sync#

The extension doesn't sync:

  • File attachments
  • Discussion posts
  • Canvas inbox messages
  • Announcement details
  • Quiz questions
  • Calendar events (only due dates)

Sync Accuracy#

Assignment Detection#

The extension looks for assignments in multiple ways:

  • Course assignment lists
  • Dashboard cards
  • Grade pages
  • Upcoming events

This means most assignments are captured accurately.

Grade Accuracy#

Grades sync from:

  • Individual assignment grades
  • Course gradebook
  • Grade category totals

Note: Grades may take a few minutes to appear after your teacher posts them.

Manual Assignments#

Assignments you add manually in Academica:

  • Are NOT overwritten by Canvas sync
  • Keep their custom details
  • Show a "Manual" badge
  • Can be edited freely

Canvas sync is non-destructive - it only adds and updates, never deletes your manual entries.

Sync Conflicts#

When Canvas Updates#

If Canvas data conflicts with your data:

  • Canvas grades always win
  • Canvas due dates update
  • Manual notes are preserved
  • Custom status may be overwritten

Source Tracking#

Each assignment shows its source:

  • Canvas - Synced from Canvas
  • Manual - Added by you
  • CSV - Imported from file

Multiple Schools#

If you have Canvas access at multiple schools:

  1. Each school syncs separately
  2. Assignments are organized by course
  3. You can filter by school in the web app
  4. Each Canvas instance needs extension access

Troubleshooting Sync#

Sync Not Starting#

  1. Make sure you're signed in to the extension
  2. Check that you're on a Canvas page
  3. Refresh the Canvas page
  4. Try clicking "Sync Now" in the popup

Missing Assignments#

  1. Visit the specific course in Canvas
  2. Open the Assignments page
  3. Wait for the extension to scan
  4. Check the web app after a few seconds

Outdated Grades#

  1. Open the Grades page in Canvas
  2. The extension will sync current grades
  3. Wait 10-20 seconds
  4. Refresh the Academica web app

More troubleshooting →

Tips for Best Results#

  1. Visit Canvas regularly - Syncs happen when you browse
  2. Check all courses - Visit each course for complete data
  3. View grades pages - Ensures grade accuracy
  4. Keep extension updated - Updates improve sync quality

Next Steps#

PreviousExtension OverviewNextManual Sync