How do I view my user files?

You can view user files in your account. User files include profile pictures, uploaded assignment submissions, and other files uploaded to your personal Canvas file storage area.

Notes:

  • No other users can view files in your user files.
  • By default, each user has 50 MB of storage space in Canvas. Administrators can change the quota for user files for the entire institution. Learn more about file quotas.

Open User Files

Open User Files

In Global Navigation, click the Account link [1], then click the Files link [2].

View User Files

View User Files

All your user folders display in the left panel [1]. View files in the right panel by clicking the name of a folder.

You can view your user quota and what percentage of that quota has been used [2]. If you are enrolled in any courses as a student, files that have been submitted as assignments do not apply to the user quota and are stored in the unfiled folder.

Learn more about using and managing files.

View My Files

View My Files

To view your personal files, click the My Files folder [1]. The My Files folder creates folders based on default events in Canvas. Once you upload a file related to one of these areas, the folder and accompanying file is created for you.

  • The Conversation attachments folder [2]: Stores files that you attach to Conversations messages.
  • The Data Exports folder [3]: Contains ZIP files created when you download assignment submissions from all your courses.
  • Profile pictures folder [4]: If your institution enables you to upload a profile picture, this folder stores photos that you upload as a profile picture.
  • The Submissions folder [5]: Contains copies of your assignment submissions; assignment are organized by course folder and displayed alphabetically. However, assignments submitted through an external tool are not copied to the Submissions folder.
  • The Unfiled folder [6]: Stores files that you attach to discussion topics or discussion replies (if attachments are allowed by your instructor).
  • The Uploaded Media folder [7]: Stores media recordings and files you insert, create, or upload.

My Files also includes any additional folders you create to organize your files, as well as any files not uploaded to a specific folder. Any files in the My Files folder that are not related to assignment submissions count toward your user quota.

Notes:

View Assignment Submission Folders

View Assignment Submission Folders

If you are an instructor and have a student role in any courses, the Submissions folder contains copies of your assignment submissions; assignment are organized by course folder and displayed alphabetically. However, assignments submitted through an external tool are not copied to the Submissions folder.

Note: For online assignment submissions, if you submit a file that you've previously uploaded, you can delete the previously uploaded file after it has been submitted and free up extra storage in your user files.

View Course and Group Files

View Course and Group Files

Your course folders display below your user files [1]. If your Canvas admin added you to a group, group folders also display below the course folders [2].

You can easily move and organize files from your group, course, and user files. You can drag and drop files from your user files into a course or group folder.

You can also view course files and group files directly from the course or group.