How do I submit an online assignment?

You can submit online assignments in Canvas using several submission types. Instructors can choose what kind of online submissions they want you to use. You may also have the option to resubmit assignments if your instructor allows.

Files uploaded using the Rich Content Editor count toward your user storage quota. Any attachments added as part of a graded assignment submission are also copied to your user files but are not counted against your user quota. However, once the file has been uploaded as a submission, you cannot delete the file. Files are stored in the Submissions folder.

Before submitting an assignment, you may want to review all assignment information, such as the assignment rubric, if any.

This lesson shows how to turn in a standard online assignment. Learn how to submit a peer review assignment.

Third-Party File Application Submissions

You can submit assignments from Google Drive, Dropbox, or another third-party service via your desktop computer in one of two ways:

  1. Download the file to your computer and submit as a File Upload
  2. Share the file, copy the file URL, and submit as a Website URL

Mobile Submissions

You can also submit assignments using your Android or iOS device.

Notes: 

  • Not all file types may be available for your assignment, depending on the assignment submission type set by your instructor.
  • Not all of your assignments may be submitted online. If you cannot see the Submit Assignment link, your instructor may want you to submit your assignment in a different way or the availability date has passed. View the description of the assignment for instructions, or contact your instructor for assistance.
  • Canvas does not support file uploads larger than 5 GB.
  • If enabled in your account, Canvas plays a celebration animation when you submit an assignment on time. However, if you prefer, you can disable this feature setting in your user settings.
  • If the assignment you are accessing displays differently, your assignment may be using the Assignment Enhancements feature. Please view this guide for more information.
  • Group assignments do not support the student annotation submission type.

Open Assignments

Open Assignments

In Course Navigation, click the Assignments link.

Note: You can also access your Assignments through your user or course dashboard, the Syllabus, Gradebook, Calendar, or Modules.

View Course Assignments

View Course Assignments

Click the name of an assignment.

Start Assignment

Start Assignment

To submit an assignment, click the Start Assignment button.

Note: If you cannot see the Start Assignment button, your instructor may not want you to submit your assignment online or the availability date has passed. View the description of the assignment for instructions, or contact your instructor for assistance.

View Submission Attempts

View Submission Attempts

Your instructor may limit the number of submission attempts you are allotted for an assignment. If your assignment has a limited number of submissions, you can view the number of submission attempts you have made [1] and the number of submission allowed for the assignment [2].

Once you have used all your submission attempts, the New Attempt button displays as disabled [3].

View Final Grade Notice

View Final Grade Notice

A banner may appear above your assignment to indicate that your instructor has removed the assignment from total grade calculations. However, this setting does not affect assignment submissions.

Select Submission Type

Select Submission Type

Your instructor will decide what kinds of submissions are appropriate for each Assignment. There are four submission types: upload a file, submit a text entry, enter a website URL, or submit media. You can only select one submission type per submission.

Note: Not all file types may be available for your Assignment, depending on the assignment submission type set by your instructor.

Submit Student Annotation

Submit Student Annotation

To submit an annotated document, click the Student Annotation tab.

Note: Group assignments do not support the student annotation submission type.

Submit a File Upload

Submit a File Upload

To upload a file from your computer or take a photo using your webcam and submit it as your assignment, select the File Upload tab.

Submit a Text Entry

Submit a Text Entry

To submit a text entry assignment, select the Text Entry tab.

Note: The assignment submission Rich Content Editor includes a word count display below the bottom right corner of the text box.

Submit Website URL

Submit Website URL

To submit a website URL, select the Website URL tab.

Submit Media Recording

Submit Media Recording

To submit a media recording, select the Media tab.

Submit Assignment

Submit Website URL

When you are ready to submit your assignment, click the Submit Assignment button.

Note: Large files submitted using the File Upload tab display a submission status indicator.  

View Submission

View Submission

After you have submitted your work, you will see information in the Sidebar about your submission [1]. For file uploads, the sidebar provides a link to your submission to download if necessary.

If you choose, you may resubmit another version of your assignment using the New Attempt button [2]. You will only be able to view the details of your most recent submission in the Sidebar, but your instructor will be able to see all of your submissions.

Once the instructor has graded your submission, the Grades link in Course Navigation displays a grading indicator.

You can also see details about your assignment and links to additional feedback in your Grades page.

Notes:

  • Your assignment will still appear in Assignments and the Syllabus; the listing is not removed with assignment submissions.
  • When you resubmit an assignment, you can only access and view your most recent submission. However, instructors can view all of your submissions.