Setting Up LockDown Browser for Quizzes in Canvas

Note: This guide is for instructors only. Students can reference Troubleshoot Lockdown Browser or visit the Respondus Help Center for assistance with the LockDown Browser.

LockDown Browser is an application that locks down the testing environment on student devices. It is not a standard browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. This means exam-takers cannot open any other application if this application is running. When enabled for a quiz, the student receives a prompt to download the Respondus LockDown Browser application and install it before they can access the quiz. When the student begins taking the quiz, the student is locked into the quiz until it is submitted for grading.

To enable LockDown Browser on a quiz in a course:

Step 1: Add LockDown Browser to the Course Menu

Log in to Cardinal Apps and open Canvas LMS.
Navigate to your Canvas course.
Select Settings.
Select the Navigation tab.
In the listing at the bottom, find "LockDown Browser" and select the three dots on that tile.
Select Enable, which moves LockDown Browser to the upper listing.
Select Save.
- Note: The "LockDown Browser" menu will not show for students in the course and is only available to course facilitators.

Step 2: Enable LockDown Browser for a Canvas Quiz

Within your Canvas course, select "LockDown Browser" from the navigation menu.
Next to the desired quiz, select the arrow icon
Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Select "Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam."
Select Save + Close to complete the process.

Add LockDown Browser to the Course Menu

To add the LockDown Browser to quizzes in Canvas, you'll need to add the LockDown Browser management menu to your course. This is the space to manage the requirements for your Canvas quizzes, enable proctoring, entry passwords, etc. Within the same menu, you can also view and share tutorials for both instructors and students. Students will not see this option after it is added to the course menu. It is only visible to instructors in Canvas.

Step 1: Log in to Cardinal Apps

Step 2: Open course settings

1) Open your Canvas course. 2) From the Navigation menu, select Settings.

Step 3: Add LockDown Browser

To add the LockDown Browser management menu to your course navigation:

Select the Navigation tab
Find LockDown Browser in the lower listing and select the three dots
Select +Enable

Step 4: Save your settings

Select Save to save the changes to your Navigation menu. Students cannot see the LockDown Browser menu in the course Navigation.

Enable LockDown Browser for a Canvas Quiz

Now that the LockDown Browser menu has been added, you can turn the feature on for a Canvas quiz. These steps assume you have already created a quiz within your course.

Step 1: Open the LockDown browser menu

Within your Canvas course, select "LockDown Browser' from the Navigation menu.

Step 2: Open Quiz Settings from the LockDown Browser menu

The LockDown Browser menu shows which quizzes have the LockDown Browser enabled and which ones require proctoring, among guides, tutorials, and more. To enable the LockDown Browser for a specific quiz, 1) Click the arrow icon next to the quiz title, and then 2) select "Settings."

Step 3: Enable the LockDown Browser

Next, you will need to configure LockDown Browser settings for your quiz. If you only want to use LockDown Browser without any additional features, focus on the 'Required Settings' section below. If you are interested in adding more restrictions and safeguards to your exam, you can explore the 'Optional Settings' features along with the 'Required Settings'.

Required Settings

1. Select the Require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam option.

2. Select Save + Close to save your settings. Your quiz now has the LockDown Browser enabled.

Optional Settings

3. Password Settings - Create an access code for your exam. Students will have to have the code to enter the exam.

4. Advanced Settings - Enable various locks and features for your exam. Use the 'explain' link next to each option for a detailed explanation of each option.

5. Proctoring - Choose whether to enable proctoring for your exam.

Respondus LockDown Browser FAQ

How can I prepare my students for a quiz with the LockDown Browser enabled?

Practice makes perfect. Encourage students to take a practice quiz using your preferred LockDown Browser (RLDB) settings. This helps them get familiar with the tool, reduces test anxiety, and allows support staff to help ahead of time if needed. You can direct them to the Learning with Canvas course or create your own practice quiz.

Respondus also offers student quick start guides depending on the quiz type:

Note: Students can’t distinguish between Classic and New Quizzes, but instructors can by icon color (white for Classic, green for New) and the presence of a Build button in New Quizzes.

What is Respondus Monitor?

Respondus Monitor is a remote proctoring feature added on top of LockDown Browser. It uses the student’s webcam to record them during the exam. After submission, instructors can review flagged events and proctoring data. Learn more about Respondus Monitor.

How do I disable LockDown Browser on a quiz?

To disable LockDown Browser on a specific quiz:

Open your Canvas course.
Select LockDown Browser from the course navigation.
Next to the quiz, click the arrow icon.
Select Settings.
Choose Don't require Respondus LockDown Browser for this exam.
Select Save + Close.

Does it matter if I’m using New or Classic Quizzes in Canvas?

No, the process for enabling LockDown Browser is the same for both quiz types. Use the appropriate quick start guides based on what you're using:

Classic Quizzes:

New Quizzes:

Be sure to clearly communicate which quiz type you're using and consider assigning a practice quiz to avoid confusion.

Where can I learn more about LockDown Browser?