Global Navigation

The Global Navigation Menu displays links to tools and courses available to users in Canvas. The menu displays differently depending on whether you are accessing the site in a web browser or the Canvas Student or Canvas Teacher mobile app.

Skip to the section below for details:

Web Browser on a Computer

Screenshot example of a Dashboard highlighting the Global Navigation menu.
  1. In a web browser on a desktop or laptop computer, the Global Navigation Menu displays by default to the left of the main content of the page.
  2. Select the arrow (minimize global navigation) button in the lower left-hand corner of the page to minimize the Global Navigation Menu. The menu is automatically collapsed (hidden) if you have accessed the course in a web browser (e.g., Chrome or Safari) on a mobile phone.

Web Browser on a Mobile Device

Screenshot example of a mobile course site highlighting the three horizontal bars button.

Select the three horizontal bars (Dashboard button) in the upper-left corner of the page to display the Global Navigation Menu in a web browser (e.g., Safari or Chrome) accessed on a mobile device.

Tip: You can find additional details about Global Navigation in How do I use the Global Navigation Menu as an instructor? (opens new window) or How do I use the Global Navigation Menu as a student? (opens new window).

Canvas Student or Canvas Teacher App

Screenshot example of a Dashboard in the Canvas app highlighting the Global Navigation bar.

When you access Canvas from the mobile app, the Global Navigation Menu will display at the bottom of the screen. The Global Navigation Menu will not appear when accessing a course.