Export and Import the Gradebook

Last updated on September 7, 2022

The Gradebook within Canvas can both import and export a CSV file. These features enable you to save course grades outside the Canvas system. You can also use the export as an email list of your students, which can then be copied and pasted into Outlook; see our Create an Email List tutorial for details and instructions.

Directions

Export the Gradebook

Exporting the data from the Gradebook allows you to keep a copy of your course grades on your computer or to make offline edits to grades for later import. It is helpful to export the Gradebook first, as it will be easier to update on your computer and import later.

1. Go to MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Hub.
2. Click Canvas in the Teaching & Learning section.
3. Log in to your Canvas Account.
4. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
5. Click Grades on the navigation menu on the left side of the page.
6. Click Actions in the top left-hand corner of the page.
7. Click Export Entire Gradebook.
   • A green outlined confirmation message will appear at the top of the page to indicate the download is starting.
8. Open File for downloads on your computer to view the downloaded CSV file.
   • A .CSV file is a type of spreadsheet and can be opened by any spreadsheet editing software, such as Microsoft Excel. If double-clicking on the .CSV file does not open it in the software you would like to use, right-click (or control click for Mac) on the file and click Open With. Then select Excel or some other program from the list provided.

Import the Gradebook

Importing a CSV file to the Gradebook lets you quickly input a group of grades and even create new assignments within Canvas.

Note: Please first export your course Gradebook from Canvas into a CSV file to edit. For instructions on this, please see above.

1. Go to MSU Denver’s Faculty and Staff Hub.
2. Click Canvas in the Teaching & Learning section.
3. Log in to your Canvas Account.
4. Select the Course you’d like to work in.
5. Click Grades on the navigation menu on the left side of the page.
6. Click Actions.
7. Click Import.
8. Click Choose File.
9. Locate the CSV file on your computer.
10. Click Open.
11. Click Upload Data.
    • A list of the data changed will be displayed.
    • Note: If columns were added to the CSV, these will be treated by the Gradebook as new assignments to be created. You will need to clarify what to do with the information from a drop-down menu. If you wish to create new assignments from the columns (thereby keeping that data in your Gradebook), you’ll need to select New Assignment and assign it a Point Value. New assignments created via a CSV file upload are automatically published and maintain the course posting policy. To add these new assignments to Modules for student access, visit the “Add Items to Modules” tutorial. To edit these assignments, refer to the “Edit an Existing Assignment” tutorial. 
12. Review Changes to the Gradebook.
13. Click Save Changes.