How do I upload a document in the Rich Content Editor?
You can upload files from your computer to link in the Rich Content Editor.
Several features in Canvas support the Rich Content Editor, including Announcements, Assignments, Discussions, Pages, and Quizzes.
By default, embedded document links display an icon that allows users to preview the document in the Rich Content Editor. You can disable the in-line preview or open the in-line preview automatically.
Notes for Instructors:
- If you are using Usage Rights, you must set the file usage rights before the file is accessible to students.
- When a document is uploaded to the Rich Content Editor, the file is saved to the Uploaded Media folder in Course Files and defaults to the same visibility status as the folder.
Open Rich Content Editor
Open the Rich Content Editor when using one of the Canvas features that supports the Editor.
Note: The Rich Content Editor supports keyboard shortcuts. To view the Keyboard Shortcuts menu, click the Keyboard icon or press ALT+F8 (PC keyboard) or Option+F8 (Mac keyboard).
Select Link Location
In the Rich Content Editor, place your cursor where you wish to insert the document.
Upload Document by Drag and Drop
You can upload and embed a document by dragging and dropping the file saved to your computer.
Note: You can upload and embed multiple documents by dragging and dropping the files saved to your computer.
Upload Document by Copy and Paste
You can upload and embed a document by copying and pasting a file located on your computer. To copy a file to your clipboard, open the file location. Right-click the file and select the Copy option or click the file and use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+C on a PC or Command+C on a Mac. Then, paste the file by right-clicking into the Rich Content Editor and selecting the Paste option or using the keyboard shortcut CTRL+V on a PC or Command+V on a Mac.
Upload Document from Toolbar
To upload a document from the toolbar, click the Document icon [1]. From the drop-down menu, select the Upload Document option [2].
To view the Document icon, you may have to click the Options icon [3].
Upload Document from Menubar
Click the Insert link [1]. Navigate to view the Document options [2], and select the Upload Document option [3].
Note: You can also link to documents you already uploaded to Canvas.
Upload File
Click to browse your files [1] or drag and drop a media file to the media uploader [2] to upload a file from your computer.
Select File
Select the document file [1] and click the Open button [2].
View Selected File
The uploader displays the document file name [1]. To remove the file, click the Delete icon [3].
Manage Usage Rights
If required by your institution, you will need to select usage right settings for your document.
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 document, please consult your institutional admin for guidance.
Submit Upload
To upload your selected document, click the Submit button.
Note: The file flashes before it embeds into the Rich Content Editor.
View Document Link
View a link to your uploaded file in the Rich Content Editor [1].
To manage options for the link, click the link title and click the Link Options link [2].
View Link Options
You can edit the link text in the Text field [1] or link URL in the Link field [2].
To disable users from seeing a file preview, select Disable Preview option [3].
You can choose to display a file preview in a pop-up window or in-line preview when the link is clicked. You can also choose to expand an in-line preview by default.
To allow users to view a file preview in a pop-up window when the link is clicked, select the Preview in overlay option [4].
To allow users to view an in-line preview when the link is clicked, click the Preview inline option [5]. To expand the in-line preview by default, click the Expand preview by Default checkbox [6].
To save link options, click the Done button [7].
Notes:
- Inline preview is not supported in the Canvas beta environment.
- Inline preview does not display in Edit mode.
Save Changes
Click the Save button.
Note: When using the Rich Content Editor in Discussions, the Save button may appear as the Reply button.
View Content
View the content created in the Rich Content Editor.
To preview the file, click the file link [1].
To download the linked document, click the Download icon [2].
