Create a Group Assignment

Last updated on September 30, 2026

You can use the Canvas Group Assignments feature to easily assign and grade collaborative assignments. Imagine students working together to complete a virtual lab; research a question and write a group paper; hold and record a video discussion; act out a scene from literature or history; produce a group presentation; or create a digital media piece, such as a website or infographic.

Note: Before creating a group assignment, you will need to know how to create student groups. Visit the Create Groups in Canvas tutorial for more guidance.

Directions

[Length 3:36, CC Available]

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Click Modules on the course navigation menu to the left.
4. Scroll to the Module where you’d like to add a group assignment.
5. Click the + Button next to the name of the Module.
6. Select Assignment from the drop-down menu.
7. Click [Create Assignment].
8. Type a Title for your assignment in the Assignment Name box.
9. Click Add Item.
10. Click the Name of the assignment you created in the module.
11. Click Edit.
12. Scroll down to the Group Assignment setting.
13. Check the box for This is a Group Assignment.
14. Optionally, check the box for Assign Grades to Students Individually.
    • Note: If you do not check this box, all students in the group will receive the same grade.
15. Choose an existing Group Set from the drop-down menu.
    • Alternatively, Select Create New Group Set from the drop-down menu. A pop-up will appear allowing you to Create a Group Set.
      • Refer to our tutorial, Create Groups in Canvas for more guidance.
16. Adjust the instructions and remaining settings as desired.
    • View our tutorial, Create an Assignment in Canvas, for more guidance.
17. Click Save or Save and Publish.

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Assign Different Tasks or Due Dates to Different Groups

The Group Assignment feature can be used to assign different due dates to different groups, such as providing an extension to one group. You can also give an extra assignment to a group by typing only their group’s name in the “Assign to” field, or you can exempt a group from a certain assignment by leaving them out of the “Assign to” field.

Note: If all groups will have the same assignment instructions and due dates, you can skip this section.

Assign Assignment to Only Specific Groups from the Group Set

1. Scroll down to the Assign Access setting.
2. Click the X next to Everyone in the Assign To box.
3. Click the Assign To box.
4. Select a Group from the list of options.
   • You can add as many groups as needed in the Assign To box.
5. Adjust the Due Date, Available from, and Until Dates.
6. Click Save.

Assign a Group a Different Due Date

1. Scroll down to the Assign Access setting.
2. Click + Assign To at the bottom of the section.
3. Click the Assign To box.
4. Select a Group from the list of options.
   • Note: You can select more than one group if all groups will have the same due date.
5. Adjust the Due Date, Available from, and Until Dates.
   • Repeat steps 2-4 if another group needs a different due date.
6. Click Save.

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Have Questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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