[Theme Editor] Dark Theme/Dark Mode for Canvas

[matthew_keatin1]

Hello all! I am a student, and I am here to suggest an idea that I thought would make Canvas more personalized. I think a dark theme would be great for Canvas since some students like to stay up at night (not me), and the bright white light from Canvas can hurt their eyes. The main reason why I want it is because it would look better on my computer. Youtube and Google have these options, why not Canvas? Thank you for reading!

  Comments from Instructure

While we are not able to announce that this idea has been completed, it is important to celebrate that Dark Mode has been added to Canvas Student, Canvas Teacher, and Canvas Parent. (2022-07-05)

• Canvas Teacher Release Notes (IOS 1.16)
• Canvas Student Release Notes (IOS 6.16)
• Canvas Parent Release Notes (IOS 3.6)

[evryn]

Problem statement:

Canvas LMS for Chrome, unlike many other websites, has no built-in toggle for a dark mode. This is an issue because light backgrounds can cause eye strain, a clear problem for students trying to do homework late at night. The most common answer to this question from Instructure developers is that you can download dark mode for Canvas on the Chrome Web Store. The problem with this is that many districts, including my own, block access to these extensions. Plus, the fact that Canvas LMS lacks an actual built in feature for this puts it far behind other websites that do. There is no good reason to put off adding that as a feature, especially considering that Canvas Mobile has the exact same feature in perfect working order already.

Proposed solution:

Program in a built-in dark mode feature in Canvas LMS, adding a toggle switch exactly like the one for "Use High Contrast UI" under "Account." This would allow for a dark mode without needing to take the time to download an extension, an action not allowed under many districts. Adding a dark mode feature like the one in Canvas Mobile would promote reduced eye strain and better sleep for many students trying to complete schoolwork while it is dark outside. You don't understand how many students you would be helping if you made this feature truly universally accessible.

User role(s):

student

p.s. I see the post you merged my post into. I understand that there is dark mode in the iOS app, but there is not any in sight within the browser version I use on my school issued Chromebook. That is my primary focus, not the app version.

p.s.s. This post is 7 years old. Now I am worried that no one will ever see my submission except one moderator. Other people should be able to see this and make an opinion on it.