Academica

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Canvas Sync

The Academica extension automatically syncs your Canvas data through two methods: active browsing sync and background auto-sync. This guide explains how syncing works and what to expect.

How Automatic Sync Works#

Academica uses two sync methods to keep your data up to date:

Active Browsing Sync#

When you visit your school's Canvas site:

  1. The extension detects Canvas automatically
  2. It scans the page for assignment information
  3. New or updated data is sent to Academica
  4. Your web app updates within seconds

Background Auto-Sync#

Even when you're not browsing Canvas, the extension syncs automatically:

  1. The extension uses chrome.alarms to run a sync every 4 hours
  2. It uses your existing Canvas session (cookies) to fetch data
  3. Updated assignments and grades are sent to Academica
  4. This happens silently in the background with no action needed from you

Note: Background auto-sync requires an active Canvas session. If your Canvas session has expired (e.g., you haven't visited Canvas in a while), the extension will prompt you to reconnect the next time you open the popup.

What Triggers a Sync#

Syncing happens when:

  • Automatically every 4 hours (background auto-sync)
  • You log into Canvas (active browsing sync)
  • You visit your Canvas dashboard
  • You open a course page
  • You view the assignments list
  • You check your grades
  • You click "Sync Now" in the extension popup

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#

Background Auto-Sync (Every 4 Hours)#

The extension uses chrome.alarms to sync on a regular schedule:

  • Runs every 4 hours, even when Chrome is idle
  • Picks up new assignments, grade changes, and course updates
  • Completely hands-free after initial Canvas connection
  • You can see the next scheduled sync time in the extension popup

Active Browsing Sync (Instant)#

When you visit Canvas pages, data syncs immediately:

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

Canvas Session#

Background auto-sync relies on your Canvas session cookies to access your data.

How It Works#

  • When you sign into Canvas in your browser, a session cookie is created
  • The extension uses this cookie to fetch data during background syncs
  • Canvas sessions typically last several days to weeks

Session Expiration#

  • If your Canvas session expires, background auto-sync will pause
  • The extension popup will show a notice that reconnection is needed
  • Simply visit your Canvas site and sign in again to restore the session
  • Auto-sync will resume automatically once the session is restored

Keeping Your Session Active#

  • Visit Canvas at least once every week or two to keep the session fresh
  • Most schools keep Canvas sessions active for extended periods
  • If auto-sync stops working, visiting Canvas and signing in will fix it

Sync Status#

In the Extension Popup#

Click the Academica icon to see:

  • Last Synced - When the last sync occurred
  • Next Auto-Sync - When the next background sync is scheduled
  • Assignments - Total assignments synced
  • Status - Current sync state

Status Indicators#

StatusMeaning
SyncedEverything is up to date
Syncing...Currently sending data
PendingWaiting to sync
Session ExpiredCanvas session needs renewal
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
  • Google Classroom - Synced from Google Classroom
  • 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#

Auto-Sync Not Running#

  1. Check that you're signed in to the extension
  2. Verify your Canvas session hasn't expired (visit Canvas and sign in)
  3. Check that chrome.alarms permission is granted
  4. Try signing out and back in to the extension

Sync Not Starting#

  1. Make sure you're signed in to the extension
  2. Check that you're on a Canvas page (for active sync)
  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. Let auto-sync do the work - After initial setup, your data syncs every 4 hours automatically
  2. Keep Canvas session active - Visit Canvas occasionally to keep the session fresh
  3. Use manual sync for urgent updates - Click "Sync Now" if you need the very latest data
  4. Keep extension updated - Updates improve sync quality and reliability

Next Steps#

PreviousExtension OverviewNextManual Sync