Academica

help

Install the Chrome Extension

The Academica Chrome extension automatically syncs your assignments from Canvas LMS and Google Classroom to the web app. Here's how to install and set it up.

Requirements#

  • Google Chrome browser (version 88 or later)
  • A Google account for sign-in

Note: The extension currently only works with Google Chrome. Firefox and Safari support is coming soon.

Installation Steps#

  1. Open Google Chrome
  2. Go to the Chrome Web Store
  3. Search for "Academica"
  4. Click on the Academica extension
  5. Click "Add to Chrome"
  6. In the popup, click "Add Extension"
  7. Done! You'll see the Academica icon in your toolbar

Manual Installation (Developer Mode)#

If the extension isn't available in the Chrome Web Store yet:

  1. Download the extension files from the web app
  2. Open Chrome and go to chrome://extensions/
  3. Enable "Developer mode" (toggle in top right)
  4. Click "Load unpacked"
  5. Select the extension folder
  6. The extension will appear in your toolbar

Sign In to the Extension#

After installing:

  1. Click the Academica icon in your browser toolbar
  2. Click "Sign in with Google"
  3. Select the same Google account you use (or will use) for the web app
  4. You'll see "Connected" when signed in successfully

Important: Use the same Google account for both the extension and the web app. This ensures your data stays in sync.

Fallback: If Google sign-in isn't available, you can click "Sign in with email" and enter your email and password instead.

Connect Canvas#

After signing in, connect your Canvas account:

For Canvas Users:#

  1. Click the Academica icon in your toolbar
  2. Enter your school's Canvas URL (e.g., myschool.instructure.com)
  3. Click "Connect Canvas"
  4. Sign in to Canvas with your school credentials when prompted
  5. The extension will begin syncing your assignments automatically

For Google Classroom Users:#

  1. Click the Academica icon in your toolbar
  2. Click "Connect Google Classroom"
  3. Sign in with your school Google account
  4. Your assignments will begin syncing automatically

Auto-Sync#

Once connected, the extension syncs your data automatically:

  • Background sync every 4 hours via chrome.alarms, even when you're not on Canvas
  • Instant sync whenever you browse Canvas pages
  • No manual action needed after initial setup

You can see the auto-sync status and last sync time in the extension popup.

Extension Permissions#

The extension requests these permissions:

PermissionWhy It's Needed
Access Canvas websitesTo read your assignments and grades
StorageTo save your login session
Active tabTo detect when you're on Canvas
AlarmsTo run background auto-sync every 4 hours
IdentityTo support Google sign-in

Privacy: The extension only accesses Canvas websites. It cannot read other websites or your browsing history.

Pin the Extension#

For easy access, pin the extension to your toolbar:

  1. Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome's toolbar
  2. Find Academica in the list
  3. Click the pin icon next to it
  4. The Academica icon will always be visible

Troubleshooting#

I don't see the extension icon#

  • Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome to see hidden extensions
  • Make sure the extension is enabled in chrome://extensions/

Extension says "Not Connected"#

  • Click "Sign in with Google" and select your account
  • Make sure you have an internet connection
  • Try signing out and back in

Google sign-in not working in the extension#

  • Make sure pop-ups are not blocked for the extension
  • Try restarting Chrome
  • Check that you have a Google account signed into Chrome
  • Try removing and reinstalling the extension

Canvas not connecting#

  • Double-check your Canvas URL (it should end in .instructure.com)
  • Make sure you can access Canvas in a regular browser tab
  • Try signing out of Canvas and signing back in

Sync isn't working#

  • Check that you're signed in to the extension
  • Verify Canvas is connected (check the extension popup)
  • The auto-sync runs every 4 hours; you can also click "Sync Now" for an immediate sync
  • See Extension Troubleshooting for more help

Next Steps#

Now that the extension is installed:

  1. Learn how Canvas sync works
  2. View your synced assignments

Updating the Extension#

Chrome automatically updates extensions. If you installed manually:

  1. Download the new version
  2. Go to chrome://extensions/
  3. Click the refresh icon on the Academica extension

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