A pop up canopy lives up to its name by being easy to set up and be taken down. In fact, these pop up canopies typically only need one person to set them up and can be used in a variety of locations that need temporary shelter, ranging from being used as a beach or patio canopy or an instant canopy in case of rain at an outdoor or flea market. In addition, many pop up canopies are small enough to fit inside a car and can be taken anywhere for any occasion.

A temporary or instant canopy like a pop up canopy is made of a steel tubing frame and a polyester canopy. The frame is typically a folding canopy frame in one piece and the polyester canopy can be attached easily, if it isn't part of the frame already. In addition, a pop up canopy goes by other names like a first up canopy tent, EZ up canopy, instant canopy, and folding canopy – all names for a canopy tent that can be quickly and easily set up and taken down.

A pop up canopy is a convenience temporary shelter for many outdoor locations and events. For example, you can use it in your own home as a patio canopy to shade your patio during a backyard party in summer and you can take it along to the beach, as well, to provide shade. If you plan to go sell items at a flea market, a pop up canopy can be taken just in case of rain. In case of rain to prevent damaging your items, a pop up canopy can be stored in your car or nearby your table and can be set up within minutes. Other outdoor events can be places for a pop up canopy, including a carnival, in which a pop up canopy can be used as a carnival booth, or a wedding, in which a pop up canopy can be used as a small wedding tent or as shelter for caterers, a band, or DJ at your event.