Export and Import the Gradebook

Last updated on May 13, 2026

The Gradebook within Canvas can be exported as a spreadsheet. You can modify that spreadsheet in a program like Microsoft Excel and then import it back into Canvas to make changes to the gradebook. You can save the export for your own records or as a backup in case of emergencies. You can also use the spreadsheet to create an email list for your course if you like.

Related Resources

• Create an Email List for Your Canvas Course

Directions

Export the Gradebook

1. Log in to your Canvas Account.
2. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
3. Click Grades on the navigation menu on the left side of the page.
4. Click Export in the top right-hand corner.
5. Click Export Entire Gradebook.
   • Alternatively, you can click Export Current Gradebook View to maintain any filters you currently have active.
6. Locate the Exported Gradebook in your downloads folder.
7. Open the File with any spreadsheet editing software, such as Microsoft Excel.
   • Please note that Canvas can only accept gradebook data in the CSV file format. After editing the spreadsheet, make sure it is saved in that same format.

Import the Gradebook

1. Click Grades in the left-hand course navigation menu.
2. Click Import in the top right-hand corner.
3. Click Choose File.
4. Locate and double-click the CSV File you would like to upload.
5. Click Open.
6. Click Upload Data.
   • A list of the data changed will be displayed.
   • Note: If columns were added to the CSV, you will receive a prompt that they should either be added to the course as new assignments or disregarded. Please view our “Add Items to Modules” or “Edit an Existing Assignment” tutorials for more information on managing the assignments.
7. Click Save Changes in the bottom left-hand corner.

Save a Backup Copy to OneDrive

To help protect your gradebook data, we recommend saving a backup copy of your exported Canvas Gradebook to Microsoft OneDrive.

1. Locate the .csv file in your Downloads folder.
2. Open your OneDrive folder on your computer.
   • You can find this on your desktop or in File Explorer. On most MSU Denver computers, OneDrive is already installed and signed in automatically.
3. Or access OneDrive from the Faculty and Staff Hub.
   • Visit the Faculty and Staff Hub.
   • Click on Quicklinks at the top right of the page.
   • Click on the link for Office 365 (Email and more).
   • Click on the OneDrive icon (Looks like a cloud) in the left-hand menu bar.
     • Alternatively, click on the 9-dot array in the top left corner.
     • Choose OneDrive from the icons in the menu.
4. Drag and drop the CSV file into your OneDrive folder, or copy and paste it.
5. Wait a few moments for the file to sync.
   • A green checkmark icon next to the file indicates it has successfully uploaded to OneDrive.

Storing a backup copy in OneDrive helps protect your gradebook data in case of accidental deletion, device loss, or security incidents.