Create an Assignment with Files Attached

Last updated on May 22, 2026

Canvas allows you to attach files directly to an assignment. You can add files and images from your own computer, course files on Canvas, or even user files. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure your students have all of the instructions, resources, and materials needed to complete their assignment.

Note: Any files attached to assignments must meet accessibility standards. For more information, see the CTLD Accessibility Group’s page, Make Documents Accessible.

Note: When copying your course into a new course shell, make sure to select files when selecting content to import to ensure attached files copy over correctly. See the CTLD tutorial, Copy a Canvas Course, for more information.

Directions

1. Go to MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Hub.
2. Click Quick Links on the top right of the page.
3. Click Canvas from the menu options that appear.
4. Log in to your Canvas Account.
5. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
6. Click Modules on the course navigation menu to the left.
7. Scroll to the Module you’d like to add an assignment to.
8. Click the + Button to the right of the module name.
9. Select Assignment from the drop-down menu.
10. Click [Create Assignment].
11. Type a Title for your assignment in the Assignment Name box.
12. Click Add Item.
13. Click the Name of the assignment you created in the module.
14. Click Edit.
15. Type Instructions and Additional Information in the second, larger box under the title.
16. Click on the Document Icon  from the toolbar above the Rich Content Editor.
17. Select one of the Following Options to locate your file:
    • Upload Document: Upload documents from your local computer.
    • Course Documents: Select documents from your course documents on Canvas.
    • User Documents: Select documents submitted by users in your course on Canvas.
18. Click Submit.
    • The attached file will appear in the Rich Content Editor as a blue link.
19. Click the document link.
20. Click Link Options.
21. Enter a descriptive title in the text field.
22. Select a Display Option.
    • Disable preview: Requires students to click on the link and download the file.
    • Preview in overlay: Clicking on the link will open the file full screen. Students will have to close out of the document to return to the Canvas Page.
    • Preview inline: The file will be embedded in the Canvas page, and will display in the page window.
      • Select Expand preview by Default to have the document display when students open the page. If you don’t select this option, students will have to click on the file link to view it.
23. Adjust assignment settings as desired.
    • See Create an Assignment tutorial for more information about settings.
24. Click Save.
    • You may need to click Save & Publish to publish the assignment.

Have questions?

Need additional support on this or other teaching and learning topics? Please visit us for drop-in support (10am-3pm, M-F) or try one of our self-help tutorials. 

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