Files can be added into Canvas in many ways. This guide will show you the different options and processes for adding files into your Canvas pages, discussions, assignments, quizzes, as well as how to manage the uploaded files.

Adding Files via the Rich Content Editor

When you are building a new page, module, assignment, or quiz, you will be able to add content in the editing mode. Files can be added into the Rich Content Editor (RCE) text box options using multiple buttons depending your needs. There are 4 methods of adding files through the RCE: add a link, add a document, select a file through the Google Drive LTI, and using HTML code.

Adding files using the document button

The Document button allows you to add files 3 different ways depending on how you want to embed your file into your course.

If your file is on your computer you can use Upload Document to add a new file. 

This process will allow you to pick a file from your computer or drag and drop a file to add it into your Canvas page. This will also automatically upload the file into your Course files> Uploaded files folder.

If you have many files and you want to organize your course files into folders, first upload all your files into the files folders/subfolders. Then you can use the Course Documents button in the RCE to connect your course files to your course page.

Adding Google Documents files

To add Google Drive Files into an assignment or page on Canvas there are two processes available. The built in process to add files uses a Google Drive LTI that will connect your document to Canvas and change the file permissions so students can view the document.

If you are making an assignment or page use the edit mode to access the Rich Content Editor (RCE). Use the plugin button to access the Google Drive LTI.

When selected, you will be asked to log into your google drive account. After you are logged in you can find the file from your drive, select it and press the Add button.

A warning will appear that will change the file permissions to allow anyone with the link to access the file.

Once attached the file will show a preview of the file that will show in the RCE.

A second way to add file links from Google Drive is to share the files as a link. This process will require manual permission changes to make sure students can access the link. While logged into your Google Drive, find the file you want to link and click on the 3 dots on the right hand side of the file and select share. Select the share option and check the general access section for permissions. Once permissions are set, copy link and paste the link into your Canvas page (RCE).

Uploading and organizing your course files

In the course files tab you can upload documents and organize your files before you connect the files into your course pages/assignments/quizzes. The Files tab will show your course file folders, sub folders and how much space you have used in your course. The buttons at the top allow you to upload files, create a folder, or organize your files. You can also set permissions for the files and folders to allow to view, hide, or need a link to view the content.

For more details on using Course Files Canvas has this support page. If you are trying to add video files to your course, we suggest not adding these files directly to the course and use a video hosting as these files will fill up your course 2GB data limit quickly; for more info: working with videos in Canvas.

Replacing Files:

If you want to swap out files in the files folder to update your file while keeping your page and module links intact, you are able to add files to your files folder with the exact same file name. This option will bring up a dialog box asking if you want to replace the file or change the name.

If you replace the file this file will update the page files that are linked to the files folder. This will only work if the files are the same type (PDF for PDF) and have the same name.