Copy Information from a File into a Canvas Page

Last updated on October 3, 2023

When distributing files to students in a Canvas course, you have several options. The best option in most cases is to simply copy information from the file into a Canvas page. This promotes maximum compatibility with different devices and accessibility software, but may need some additional formatting to display correctly Another benefit is the ability to edit information in the future without having to download the file, make edits, and then reupload the file. If the file is too complex or impractical to copy into a Canvas page, you can display the file in the page as an upload. See our Display a File in a Canvas Page tutorial for more information.

Directions

1. Log-in to Canvas.
2. Select the Course you would like to work in.
3. Click Modules in the left-hand course navigation menu. 
4. Locate the Module you would like to add the page to.
5. Click the + icon in the top right-hand corner of the module.
6. Select Page from the drop-down menu.
7. Select Create Page at the top of the list of pages.
8. Enter a Title for the page.
9. Click the Page you just created at the bottom of the module.
10. Click Edit in the top right-hand corner.
11. Open the File on your computer.
12. Select the portion of the File you wish to copy into Canvas.
    • You can use the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut on windows, or Cmnd + A on a Mac, to select everything in the file.
13. Copy the Text by pressing Ctrl + C on a Windows or Cmnd + C on a Mac.
14. Reopen the Canvas Page.
15. Paste the Text into the Canvas page by pressing Ctrl + V on a Windows or Cmnd + V on a Mac.
    • Depending on the file you copied from, there can be formatting issues when you paste into the Canvas page. It may require some clean-up. By pressing Shift + Ctrl/Cmnd + P, you can paste without using the source formatting.
    • For more information on how to format text in Canvas to enhance accessibility, please see our Incorporate Accessible Principles in Your Canvas Course spotlight.
16. Click Save and Publish in the bottom right-hand corner when you’re finished editing.