Mobile App Sub-Account Theme

[EmileSorger]

Hello, I manage several sub-accounts and want to make the themes on the mobile app consistent with those on the web.  As of right now I have adjusted the theme using the theme editor which looks great on the web however all of the sub-accounts are still themed as the root account on the mobile app.  From what I'm seeing on the forums, it looks like uploading custom CSS or Javascript into the "Mobile App CSS/Mobile App Javascript" section is the way to go, but would like confirmation.  Thank you.

[tdurbin · Accepted solution]

Hello @emile ‌, 

In reference to your question:

... it looks like uploading custom CSS or Javascript into the "Mobile App CSS/Mobile App Javascript" section is the way to go

Yes, the mobile section is for applying the custom themes to your Mobile App.

Mobile CSS/JS files are only applied to user content displayed within the Canvas iOS or Android apps

Here is a bit more information on Themes & some great info!

Generally, the sub-accounts should inherit the properties applied to the main theme of the account.

If they aren't inheriting the global theme, then you might already have the options enabled for the sub-accounts to use their own themes or there is a possibility that your existing custom CSS/JS is interfering with the App picking up the themes.

Any theme applied to the account also applies to all sub-accounts, though you can upload CSS/JS files for individual sub-accounts.

This page on using the Theme Editor may help you troubleshoot issues:

How do I create a theme for an account using the Theme Editor?

There is also information for enabling sub-account themes:

Enable sub-accounts to use the Theme Editor

Here is the page on Uploading Custom files:

How do I uplaod custom JS/CSS files to an account?

There are some further notes on being aware of the associated risks with custom script & a couple of notes if you do not have access to the sub-account themes.

CSS/JS Files

Custom cascading style sheets (CSS) or JavaScript (JS) files are not required, but override files are also supported in the Theme Editor. CSS/JS file functionality must be enabled by your Customer Success Manager. Before uploading custom CSS or JS files, please be aware of the associated risks, as custom files may cause accessibility issues or conflicts with future Canvas updates. Learn more about custom CSS/JS restrictions.

Custom File Risks

If you cannot use the native Theme Editor options for branding, you must be aware of the associated risks of using custom files, which may cause accessibility issues or conflicts with future Canvas updates:

• You should have advanced understanding of JavaScript and CSS and must maintain your own code.  
• Custom files may conflict with future changes to the Canvas DOM (eg: element class names or HTML structure) and are therefore not supported. Instructure disclaims any liability for any changes made to your custom override files.
• You are responsible to review web content accessibility guidelines to ensure your files meet any web accessibility testing or other compliance standards that may be required in your jurisdiction. You are responsible for making your modifications accessible to screen readers, users with text contrast and color contrast needs, and users relying on High Contrast Styles as a user feature option.
• When experimenting with custom branding, always confirm your branding changes in your institution's beta environment or test environment.

Notes:

• The Theme Editor is not available for Free-For-Teacher accounts.
• If you are a sub-account admin and the Themes link is not visible in Account Navigation, Themes has not been enabled for sub-accounts. If the CSS/JS Upload tab is not visible, file uploads have not been enabled for sub-accounts.

[EmileSorger]

This is a big help, thank you.  

[EmileSorger]

Perhaps you can help actually (and I appreciate the response as well).  I am in need of someone who is going to be capable of formatting my existing themes into those CSS/Java files that can be uploaded as the mobile themes.  Is there somewhere that you know of where I can put out a request to Canvas savvy developers to hire for a small project such as this?

Thank you

[Stefanie]

 @emile , you may post details of that offer to the Jobs Board‌ in the I Heart Pandas‌ group.

[tdurbin]

I will echo what stefaniesanders‌ has said!

[rseilham]

Thanks  @tdurbin1 ‌ for the reply. I echo your comments. The mobile css/js is only for Page content, so definitely don't put any energy into adjusting those for any interface elements. As for sub accounts, I'm not sure if it's supported or not, but if it's working on web and not mobile, my hunch is it's not available. You can also consider creating a feature idea to request this feature be added to the mobile apps: 

https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-14904-75187841184 

If you create a post or figure it out, please post back to share with others.