In this lesson:
Glad you are here! In this introductory lesson, we explore the basic navigation and layout of Canopy. By the end of this lesson, you'll have a solid understanding of where to find things in your account.
You can start by watching this video which covers a lot of the basics of getting started and setting up your account and settings. The next lessons will go into more detail but this is a great overview to get you started!
Logging into Canopy
To work in Canopy, you need to sign in:
- Navigate to the Canopy website (www.getcanopy.com) and click Log In.
- Enter your email address and your password.
- Click Sign In.
Reset your password if you have trouble signing in.
Using Two-Factor Authentication
Given the secure nature of your work, Canopy utilizes Two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins. 2FA relies on you to provide a password as the first factor and a second, different factor -- usually either a security token or a biometric factor, like a fingerprint or facial scan. 2FA is required for both you and your clients.
đź’» Follow along with this in-app guide: Two Factor Authentication Setup
Canopy offers login factors via email, SMS, or an Authentication app. By default, the code sends to your verified email address. But you can add SMS and Authentication apps later.
- In the Canopy Practitioner Mobile App, you can further security by using fingerprint or facial recognition, depending on the device. Learn more here.
Once you authenticate, you can opt to remember a device for 30 days. You do not need to authenticate each time you log in unless you log in:
- From a new or different device within the 30-day window.
From an incognito or private window in your browser.
Note: We highly recommend signing up for the Authentication Apps factor for 2FA verification in addition to email. It's just as secure and reliable as email. Encourage your clients to do the same! Learn more here.
Enter the Home Page
Your first landing spot is the Home Page. Here, you can view:
- Upcoming calendar events
- Tasks and due dates
- Links to important websites
Admins are able to view these calendar events and task progress across your firm, by clicking on the Admin tab, under your name heading.
Using the Global Navigation Bar
To the left is the global navigation bar, which contains all of your broad information for your firm. This bar stays here and is always accessible to you.
Each of these icons takes you to a different module in Canopy:
- Inbox - send emails and track historical conversations with clients
- Clients - centralizes all the information you have about your clients
- Files - your one-stop-shop for any documentation
- Work - a central hub for figuring out how to manage your day.
- Time & Billing - helps you turn your tracked time into invoices, invoice clients (hourly or fixed rate), and run reports.
- Templates - the secret to saving time is creating templates for emails, workflows, and file folders. All are stored here ready for use!
- Insights - A Canopy Pro feature where you can quickly visualize and analyze your data.
Heads up! Some of these may not appear for you depending on your account’s license. Learn more about licenses in the next lesson!
Selecting the Global + Button
At the top of the global navigation bar is the global plus (+) button. This is like your shortcut to many options in Canopy at any time!
Click on the + button.
This opens a secondary menu of options for actions like:
- Creating a Task - like creating a workflow to process a 1040 return
- Adding a Client - an individual or business you’ll be working with through the process
- Or Sending a Client Request - requesting certain information or setting up a reminder for the client.
Returning Back to the Home Page
As you navigate through Canopy, you can always return back the Home page by selecting the Canopy logo (the delta icon) at the very top of the navigation bar!
With that, it's time to learn how to access Settings and update your firm and personal information!
Want to Learn more?
| Learn how to Login to Different Firms | |
| Watch a video on setting up Two Factor Authentication |