Skip to main content

How to fix the Canvas being completely blank

Written by Umberto Guardascione

Step 1: Rule Out Network Extensions

Before diving into browser settings, check whether any network tools are interfering:

  • Disable VPNs: Temporarily turn off any active VPN connection, as these can affect page loading and content delivery.

  • Disable Ad Blockers: Ad blockers can occasionally block legitimate page elements. Disable them for the affected site to test.

Step 2: Test in Incognito Mode

Incognito mode runs Chrome without extensions and cached data, making it a quick way to isolate the cause:

  1. Open Chrome and press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac).

  2. Log in to the affected service and attempt to reproduce the issue.

  3. If the issue disappears in incognito, the cause is likely an extension or cached data.

  4. If the issue persists, continue to the settings checks below.

Note whether you are on an Apple (macOS) or Windows machine. Some settings paths and hardware acceleration behaviors differ between platforms, and this helps narrow down the fix.

Step 3: Check Hardware Acceleration (Chrome Settings)

  1. Copy and paste the following into your Chrome address bar and press Enter:

   chrome://settings/system

(Note: This link must be copied and pasted manually — clicking it will not work.)
2. Locate the setting "Use graphics acceleration when available" (also called "Use hardware acceleration when available").
3. Confirm whether it is enabled.
4. If you change this setting, relaunch Chrome for it to take effect.

Step 4: Check Accelerated 2D Canvas (Chrome Flags)

  1. Copy and paste the following into your Chrome address bar and press Enter:

   chrome://flags

  1. In the search box, type "Accelerated 2D canvas."

  2. Confirm whether the flag is enabled.

  3. If you change this setting, click Relaunch to apply the change.

Step 5: Check ANGLE Graphics Backend (Chrome Flags Mac Only)

If the user is on an Apple (macOS) machine with M Chip and seeing performance degradation when using the canvas, check the ANGLE graphics backend setting:

  1. Copy and paste the following into your Chrome address bar and press Enter:

   chrome://flags

  1. In the search box, type "Choose ANGLE graphics backend."

  2. If it is set on Metal switch it to OpenGL

  3. If you change this setting, click Relaunch to apply the change.


​
​

Did this answer your question?