Dark Mode for online canvas

[KeiraAllen7766]

I have a disability that makes looking at screens extremely difficult. I use blue light filters, etc. but have found that dark mode works best for me. I understand that the app version has a dark mode, but I would really appreciate a dark mode option that would make the online version more accessible. I have to use Canvas for my classes, and I want to avoid using browser extensions, etc. when Canvas should have it as an integrated option-- a website is not accessible if I have to go elsewhere to find a solution.

[DrTerriC · Accepted solution]

so in helping a student I found out about some off market Chrome extensions that create a dark mode.  

A few months ago we had a situation where a student test the questions were not visible because they were black on black. When I met with the student, I found out she was using an after market Chrome extension called Better Canvas..  (I found another one with some of the same things Canvas +). 

She had been using it for nearly two years with no problem. We found that in the HTML code of the quiz, there was a SPAN tag that made all text black - this was generally not a problem on the bright white screen but so while she was using the extension for Dark Mode, it created a black on black on situation and she could not read her exam.. (It was inconsistent too.. we figure it was from copy and paste from word - some questions you could not see the question, and others you could not see the choices).  It was a crazy experience. However, as I tested it, it was a comfort to my eyes and floaters. 

So here was the takeaway I offered the student. 

1) if you choose to use it, make sure to still visit Canvas at least weekly, it summarizes due dates etc.. and so it is not reliable and she may miss something. 

2) Pay attention to the data rights you are giving such an extension.. as an admin, I got that thing off my computer as soon as possible.. it has reading and writing privileges that are a data breach waiting to happen. 

3) if using such a extension makes you miss a deadline etc.. it is on her as a student, as it is not an officially supported tool.  

As a student you are an adult, but know when you give away control of the LMS to a third party tool (whose origin you don't really know) you are taking that risk yourself. 

Hope that helps.. 

Terri 

[DrTerriC · Accepted solution]

so in helping a student I found out about some off market Chrome extensions that create a dark mode.  

A few months ago we had a situation where a student test the questions were not visible because they were black on black. When I met with the student, I found out she was using an after market Chrome extension called Better Canvas..  (I found another one with some of the same things Canvas +). 

She had been using it for nearly two years with no problem. We found that in the HTML code of the quiz, there was a SPAN tag that made all text black - this was generally not a problem on the bright white screen but so while she was using the extension for Dark Mode, it created a black on black on situation and she could not read her exam.. (It was inconsistent too.. we figure it was from copy and paste from word - some questions you could not see the question, and others you could not see the choices).  It was a crazy experience. However, as I tested it, it was a comfort to my eyes and floaters. 

So here was the takeaway I offered the student. 

1) if you choose to use it, make sure to still visit Canvas at least weekly, it summarizes due dates etc.. and so it is not reliable and she may miss something. 

2) Pay attention to the data rights you are giving such an extension.. as an admin, I got that thing off my computer as soon as possible.. it has reading and writing privileges that are a data breach waiting to happen. 

3) if using such a extension makes you miss a deadline etc.. it is on her as a student, as it is not an officially supported tool.  

As a student you are an adult, but know when you give away control of the LMS to a third party tool (whose origin you don't really know) you are taking that risk yourself. 

Hope that helps.. 

Terri 

[dbrace · Accepted solution]

Hi @KeiraAllen7766,

As talked about as a reply in https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Question-Forum/Native-quot-dark-mode-quot-support-for-CANV..., dark mode is one of the most requested features. Implementing it is also more challenging because of course design requirements (essentially, every teacher using Canvas is a web designer and they need to take colors and color contrast into account).

Keep an eye out on the Roadmap for more information.

-Doug

[DrTerriC]

@dbrace Check your link.. its coming up as bad. 

[dbrace]

Thank you. I think the editor added my "comma" to the link and broke it.

[DavidMcnicholas]

Yes, this is true; conforming to accessibility standards does take more work. I'm looking forward to seeing the response from the Canvas team. It certainly isn't an excuse. Schools need accessibility accommodations more than most applications. For a representative of Instructure to suggest it is too hard, or should be on the end user to figure out, that's preposterous. How many millions of dollars are schools paying this company, and their response to being asked to accommodate vision needs is essentially, "it's really hard."

What dbrace probably should have said is,

"Listen y'all, Canvas Instructure has a captive audience. You've already paid for the service. You've paid to train entire departments full of online learning specialists at your schools to use it. You've paid for instructor trainings for them to be able to use it. We know you aren't going to be able to escape the sunk cost fallacy of doing business with Instructure, and we know that our competition is no better than we are. So, until someone wants to waste some time and money suing us, to force us to conform to the accessibility standards our customers have already paid for but aren't receiving, we could really care less about your vision needs."

"It's hard," is neither an excuse nor a legitimate reason.

[KristinL]

Hi @DavidMcnicholas -

I can tell this topic is really important to you, and I completely understand your frustration. Dark mode continues to be one of the most requested updates for Canvas, and the Product Team is aware of its importance. I’ll make sure they see this thread so your feedback can be considered in their process.

At the same time, I want to gently remind everyone to keep the conversation respectful and focused on ideas rather than individuals. Our volunteer coaches and peers generously offer their time to help, and we want this space to remain welcoming for everyone.

Your perspective matters, and sharing it constructively helps ensure it’s heard! Thank you for advocating for accessibility!