Managing and Viewing Files

Printable Handout: Canvas File Guide Links to an external site. | Video Tutorial: N/A

alert.pngNote: In some courses instructors may turn off the files link in the left navigation.

In Canvas there are three separate file spaces that students may have access to in Canvas. Please note there have been recent changes that allow instructors to turn on the beta files interface in a course. In courses using the beta files interface, the personal files will retain the old interface. 

  • Personal - Each user in Canvas has a personal private file space that can be accessed via the personal profile. In the personal Files students can rename, delete, organize, and upload files.
  • Course – All students will have access to course files. Please note that some instructors may limit student access to course files.
  • Group – All students who are enrolled in a course group will have access to the course files. If the instructor has turn on the beta files interface, this change will also affect group files.

The course files will be similar in appearance to group and personal files; however, there will not be as many options. Review the numbered items below.

course-files.png

  1. Left  Pane & Search – Select a folder from the left pane to display in the right pane OR click in the search box to locate a file or folder.
  2. File Options - Select a file or to select multiple files hold down the CTRL key while clicking each file. Above the list of files will display the options for the selected file(s). Point the mouse over each icon option to see hint text for the command.
  3. File Restrictions -  If the file or folder displays with calendar icon, this means that the instructor has made the file or folder available to students for a short period of time. Hover the mouse over the calendar icon to view the dates when the file or folder will be available to view.
  4. All My Files – Click to view a list of all courses and groups that you are currently enrolled.  Currently, this view will only display the first 15 results.

Below is example of a group files area. In groups and personal files students will have access to more options. Review the numbered items below.

groupfiles.png

  1. Left Pane & Search – Select a folder from the left pane to display in the right pane OR click in the search box to locate a file or folder.
  2. File Options - Select a file or to select multiple files hold down the CTRL key while clicking each file. Above the list of files will display the options for the selected file(s). Point the mouse over each icon option to see hint text for the command. Some of the options will NOT be available in course files.
  3. Right Pane Options – The files listed in the right pane will display columns for name, date created, date modified, modified by, and size. Click a column heading to sort the files.
  4. New Folder – Click +Folder to create a new folder. Files can be dragged and dropped onto folders to move the files. Not available to students in course files.
  5. Upload – Click Upload to upload new files. Multiple files can be selected in the open dialog box by holding down the CTRL key while selecting the files. If uploading a zip folder, Canvas will ask if the zip folder should be unzipped or left alone. Choose the desired option. Not available to students in course files.
  6. Storage Quota –Each group space has 50 MB of storage space. It is NOT recommended to upload audio and video files directly in a group. Add video or audio files using Pages. When editing Canvas pages use the media comment tool (film strip icon in the toolbar) in the rich content editor to add video or audio. When media files are added using the media comment tool they are not counted against the group file quota.
  7. All My Files – Click to view a list of all courses and groups that you are currently enrolled.  Currently, this view will only display the first 15 results.

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