Sending and Receiving Messages in Canvas

Printable Handout: Inbox (Conversations) Tutorial Links to an external site. | Video Tutorial: Conversations Overview

In Canvas all private messages are connected to your LLC email address. When you click on your inbox in upper right help menu you will see all of your private messages from your instructor and any students who have messaged you through Canvas. Canvas calls these messages Conversations. On your profile you can specify other ways of contact that can include other email addresses or mobile numbers. In your notifications area of your profile you can specify other email addresses or mobile numbers to receive messages from Canvas. It is recommended to adjust the notifications to your desired preferences before any classes start so you will be receiving messages when and where you want to them to appear. All of the messages you receive will appear in the Inbox in Canvas. You will also receive a notification of messages to any email or mobile numbers you added and setup in your notification preferences. Review the numbered items below. 

 inbox.png

  1. Inbox options – By default a list of all messages will display in the left pane of the Inbox.
    1. Course Filter – Filter messages by course.
    2. Message Filter – Filter messages by Inbox, Unread, Starred, Sent, Archived, and Submission Comments.
    3. Search Filter –Filter messages to locate a course, group, or person.
  2. Message Options – When a message is selected from the left pane, it will display in the right pane. The person’s picture will display to the left of the message and below the person’s name the course name will display. Options for the message will display to the top and right of the message. Messages created in the beta Inbox can have subject lines. If the message was created in the old Inbox, the subject line will state (No Subject).
    1. New Message (Document/Pencil Icon) – Click to create a new message.
    2. Reply – Reply to currently displayed message. This option displays at the top and right of the message.
    3. Reply All – Reply to all participants of the conversation. This option displays at the top and right of the message.
    4. Archive – Allows message to be archived. Archived messages will be removed from the Inbox and can be viewed by using the message filter.
    5. Delete – Click the Trash can icon to delete the message.
    6. More options – Click the gear icon to view more options (Marked as Read, Forward, and Star) for the message. This option displays at the top and right of the message; however, the option on the right only displays options to reply all, forward or delete a message.

information.pngInbox Tips

Below are some helpful tips.

  • Configure your notifications for contact methods and delivery to your desired preferences. This will ensure that you never miss an important message.
  • If you choose to have messages sent to an email address, you can respond to the message directly in your email.
  • Inbox messages can be viewed in the mobile app. 

Viewing Messages

Creating and Sending Messages