How do I upload a file in Files?

You can add to your Files by uploading a file. As a student, you can upload files to both user and group files. Files can be used for assignments, discussion replies, and conversation attachments. Additionally, files in your user or group files can always be embedded in Canvas using the Rich Content Editor.

As an instructor, you can upload a file to your user files and course files or move files from your personal files into course files. You can also import files using the Course Import Tool in Course Settings.

Learn how to view your user files, group files, and course files.

Notes:

  • Canvas does not support file uploads larger than 5 GB.
  • Video and audio uploads to Canvas through the media tool can be up to 500 MB in size.
  • For assignment submissions, you can upload a file from your computer or select a file that has been previously uploaded to your user files. If you select a previously uploaded file, you can delete the file after it has been submitted and free up extra storage in your user files.
  • Group files are automatically published when they are uploaded to the group.
  • By default, files are published and visible to all users, however, if you are using Usage Rights, you must set the file usage rights before you can publish the file.
  • You can learn how to bulk upload multiple files.

00:07: How do I upload a file in files? 00:10: In user or group files click the upload button. 00:14: Click the title of the files. You want to upload and click the open Button? 00:19: Some web browsers contain a feature that allows the user to add to files by simply 00:23: dragging and dropping the files from a file window directly into the canvas file repository. 00:28: Click the title of the file you wish to add and drag the file to your open browser. 00:33: Your file will automatically upload. 00:37: If a file with the same name already exists in the folder where you are uploading your file 00:41: you will be asked if you want to replace or rename it. 00:45: To rename the file Click Change name button. 00:48: This option will create a duplicate copy of the file with a different name. 00:53: To replace the file click the replace button. 00:57: A progress bar will appear at the top of screen tracking the progress of your file upload. 01:03: View your new file. 01:06: This guide covered how to upload a file in files

Open Files

Open Files

In Account, Group, or Course Navigation, click the Files link.

Upload File

Upload File

Click the Upload button.

Open File

Open File

Click the title of the file you want to upload [1] and click the Open button [2].

Note: You can also upload multiple files at once. Learn how to bulk upload files.

Upload Files via Drag and Drop

Upload Files via Drag and Drop

Some web browsers contain a unique feature that allows the user to add to files by simply dragging and dropping the files from a file window directly into the Canvas file repository. Click the title of the file you wish to add [1] and drag the file to your open browser [2]. Your file will automatically upload.

Replace Duplicate File

Replace Duplicate File

If a file with the same name already exists in the folder where you are uploading your file, you will be asked if you want to replace or rename it.

To rename the file, click Change Name button [1]. This option creates a duplicate copy of the file with a different name.

To replace the file, click the Replace button [2].

View Upload Progress

View Upload Progress

A progress bar will appear at the top of screen tracking the progress of your file upload.

View File

View File

View your new file in the course.

Note: If you are using Usage Rights, you must set the file usage rights before you can publish the file.