Upload a File to a Canvas Course

Last updated on June 4, 2024

Canvas stores course files for easy access and deployment within Canvas. Files stored within courses can be linked and attached multiple times in many places throughout Canvas, from assignments to discussions to pages. Using the Files section in your Canvas course will help you keep your files organized and ready to be placed throughout the course. This tutorial will cover adding files to a page, a module, or the Files section of your course.

Directions

Upload a File as a Page

The CTLD recommends adding files to your course as part of a page. The text field of a page gives you space to add context and instruction for what the file is and how the student is expected to use it. Bear in mind that the following instructions also apply to Assignments, Announcements, or anywhere else the Rich Content Editor appears.

1. Click Modules in the left-hand course navigation menu.
2. Locate the Module that you’d like to add the file to.
3. Click the + icon in the top right-hand corner of the module.
4. Select Page from the drop-down menu.
5. Enter a Name for the page.
6. Click Add Item in the bottom right-hand corner.
7. Click the Page you just created at the bottom of the module.
8. Click Edit in the top right-hand corner.
9. Enter a Description or Instructions for the file in the large text field.
10. Click Insert in the toolbar above. 
11. Hover over Document.
12. Click Upload Document.
13. Click Upload File.
14. Select the File.
    • Hold CTRL on Windows or Command on a Mac while clicking to select more than one file at a time.
15. Click Submit in the bottom right-hand corner.
16. Click the File that you just added to the page.
17. Click Link Options.
    • If the File name being displayed isn’t to your liking, you can change that in the Text field.
    • You should not make any changes to the Link field.
    • You can select different Display Options.
      • Disable Preview means students cannot view the file without downloading it to their computer and opening it. This is not recommended.
      • Preview in Overlay means students can click on the file to open a smaller window that will display it.
      • Preview Inline means that students can click on the file and it will expand in the same window. If Expand Preview by Default is selected, the page will open with the file already displayed.
18. Click Done in the bottom right-hand corner when you are satisfied with the Link Options.
19. Click Save and Publish in the bottom right-hand corner.

Upload a File to a Module

1. Click Modules in the left-hand course navigation menu.
2. Locate the Module that you’d like to add a file to.
3. Click the + icon in the top left-hand corner of the module.
4. Select File from the drop-down menu.
5. Click Create File(s).
6. Click Choose Files.
7. Locate the File saved on your computer.
8. Select the File.
   • Hold CTRL on a Windows or Command on a Mac while clicking to select more than one file at a time.
9. Click Upload in the bottom right-hand corner.
10. Click Add Item in the bottom right-hand corner.

Organize Your Course Files

1. Click Files in the left-hand course navigation menu.
2. Click + Folder in the top right-hand corner to make a new folder.
3. Enter a Name for the folder and hit Enter.
4. Click on the Folder you just created.
5. Click Upload in the top right-hand corner.
6. Locate the Files on your computer.
   • Note: You can select multiple files for upload at one time.
7. Click Open. A green progress bar will appear for each upload until complete.
8. Note: Any file uploaded to your course through other means (assignment creation, attachment in a rich content field, etc.) will appear as a course file in this repository.