Academica

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Quick Start Guide

Get up and running with Academica in just 3 minutes! Install the extension, sign in with Google, connect Canvas, and your assignments sync automatically forever.

Prerequisites#

Before you begin, make sure you have:

  • A Google Chrome browser (version 88 or later)
  • A Google account (school or personal)
  • Access to Canvas LMS or Google Classroom through your school

Step 1: Install the Chrome Extension#

  1. Install the Academica extension from the Chrome Web Store
  2. Click "Add to Chrome" and confirm
  3. You'll see the Academica icon appear in your browser toolbar

Why start with the extension? The extension handles sign-in, Canvas connection, and automatic syncing all in one place. The web app will automatically recognize you!

Step 2: Sign In with Google#

  1. Click the Academica icon in your toolbar
  2. Click "Sign in with Google"
  3. Select your Google account (use the same one you'll use for the web app)
  4. That's it - you're authenticated everywhere!

Tip: If you have a school Google account, use that one. It keeps everything consistent.

Step 3: Connect Canvas#

  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 automatically pull your assignments

For Google Classroom Users:#

  1. Click the Academica icon in your toolbar
  2. Click "Connect Google Classroom"
  3. Authorize access with your school Google account
  4. Your assignments will sync automatically

Step 4: You're Done!#

That's it! Academica will now automatically sync your assignments every 4 hours in the background. You never need to manually sync again.

Once connected, you can:

  • View all assignments in one organized table
  • Track your grades as they're updated in Canvas
  • Create AI-powered study plans to manage your time
  • See your dashboard for a daily overview

What About the Web App?#

You can access the web app directly at academic-optimizer-app.vercel.app. Since you signed in with Google via the extension:

  • Click "Dashboard" in the extension to be automatically signed in
  • Or visit the web app directly and sign in with the same Google account

Auto-Sync#

After initial setup, the extension syncs your Canvas data automatically:

  • Every 4 hours in the background via chrome.alarms (even if you haven't visited Canvas)
  • Instantly whenever you browse Canvas pages
  • No action needed from you after the initial connection

You can always check the last sync time in the extension popup.

Next Steps#

Having Issues?#

  • Extension not syncing? Check the auto-sync status in the extension popup
  • Google sign-in not working? Make sure pop-ups are enabled and try again
  • Canvas not connecting? Verify your Canvas URL and school credentials
  • Dashboard not loading? Try clicking "Dashboard" from the extension for auto-login
  • Other problems? See Troubleshooting
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