Canvas Guides (English)Canvas GuidesCanvas Instructor GuideRich Content EditorHow do I upload and embed an image in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?

How do I upload and embed an image in the Rich Content Editor as an instructor?

You can embed images in the Rich Content Editor. Image files can be uploaded from your computer or added using a URL. You can also embed images from your course and user files.

Several features in Canvas support the Rich Content Editor, including Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Pages, Quizzes, and Syllabus.

Notes: 

  • Images uploaded from your computer using the image upload tool are added to your course files.
  • If you are using Usage Rights, you must set the file usage rights before the file will be accessible to students.

Open Rich Content Editor

Open Rich Content Editor

Open the Rich Content Editor when creating or editing an announcement, assignment, discussion, page, quiz, or syllabus.

Note: The Rich Content Editor supports keyboard shortcuts. To view a window with a list of keyboard navigation shortcuts, press Alt+F8 (on a PC keyboard) or Option+F8 (on a Mac keyboard) simultaneously on your keyboard.

Upload Image by Drag and Drop

Upload Image by Drag and Drop

You can upload and embed an image by dragging and dropping from a web browser or a file saved to your computer. If you drag and drop an image from a web browser, the source URL for the image populates in the File URL field in the Image Options.

Note: You can upload and embed multiple images by dragging and dropping the files from a web browser or saved to your computer.

Upload Image by Copy and Paste

Upload Image by Copy and Paste

You can upload and embed an image by copying and pasting it. To copy an image to your clipboard, right-click the image and select Copy.  You can paste it by right-clicking into the Rich Text Editor and selecting Paste or using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+V on a PC or Command+V on a Mac.

Upload Image from Toolbar

Upload Image from Toolbar

To upload an image from the toolbar, click the Image icon [1]. Then select theUpload Image option [2].

Note: To view the Image icon, you may have to click the Options icon [3].

Upload Image from Menubar

Upload Image from Menubar

You can also upload an image using the menubar in the Rich Content Editor. The menubar displays the title of Rich Content Editor tools and may be preferable for those using keyboard navigation.

To upload an image using the menubar, click the Insert menu [1], select the Image option [2], and select the Upload Image option [3].

Upload Image from Computer

Upload Image from Computer

By default, the Image Upload Tool displays the Computer tab [1]. Click or drag and drop an image file to the image uploader to upload a file from your computer [2].

Note: Images uploaded from your computer using the image upload tool are added to your course files.

Select File

Select File

Select the image file [1] and click the Open button [2].

View Selected File

View Selected File

The uploader displays the image file name [1] and an image preview [2]. To remove the image, click the Delete icon [3].

Upload Image from URL

Upload Image from URL

To upload an image using a URL, click the URL tab [1].

Enter the URL in the File URL field [2].

Manage Usage Rights

Manage Usage Rights

If required by your institution, you will need to select usage right settings for your image.

In the Usage Right drop-down menu [1], select one of the five usage right options:

  • I hold the copyright: original content created by you
  • I have obtained permission to use the file: authorized permission by the author
  • The material is in the public domain: explicitly assigned to public domain, cannot be copyrighted, or is no longer protected by copyright
  • The material is subject to an exception - e.g. fair use, the right to quote, or others under applicable copyright laws: excerpt or summary used for commentary, news reporting, research, or analysis in education
  • The material is licensed under Creative Commons: this option also requires setting a specific Creative Commons license

If known, enter the copyright holder information in the Copyright Holder field [2].

Note: If you are an instructor and are not sure which usage right applies to your image, please consult your institutional admin for guidance.

Manage Image Attributes

Manage Image Attributes

To add Alt Text to your image, type an alternative text description or text tags in the Alt Text field [1]. By default, the Alt Text field displays the image file name. Alt text is read by screen readers, and it displays when an embedded image cannot display.

If the image is decorative and does not require alt text, select the Decorative Image option [2].

By default, the Embed Image display option is selected for embedded images [3].

To display the image file link, select the Display Text Link display option [4]. The file link will replace the image in the Rich Content Editor.

Embed Image Upload

Submit Upload

To embed your selected image, click the Submit button.

Note: The image will flash before it embeds in the Rich Content Editor.

View Embedded Image

View Embedded Image

View your uploaded image in the Rich Content Editor. You can also add or modify alt text tags and manage the image display options.

Update Image via File URL

Update Image via File URL

Click the image [1], then click the Image Options link [2].

You can manage display options for embedded images in the Image Options menu [3].

To replace or update an image added to the Rich Content Editor via URL, enter an updated image URL in the File URL field [4].

Click the Done button [5].

Save Changes

Save Changes

Click the Save button.

Notes:

  • The assignment, discussion, pages, and quizzes details pages display a Save & Publish button.
  • The Syllabus page displays an Update Syllabus button.
  • Discussion replies display a Post Reply button.

View Content

View Content

View the content created in the Rich Content Editor.