How do I view course files?

Course files include any content uploaded to a course. By default, each course has 500 MB of storage space in Canvas (Free-for-Teacher accounts are limited to 250 MB). Administrators can change the quota for the entire institution or on a course-by-course basis. Files uploaded to a course do not count towards your personal file quota.

If the Course Files link is shown in the Course Navigation menu, any user in the course can view course files. If you are an instructor, you can learn how to manage Course Navigation links. However, parents/observers may only be able to access certain course files.

Open Files

Open Files

In Course Navigation, click the Files link.

View Course Files

View Course Files

All published course files can be viewed by all course users [1]. However, some files may restrict access to specific users.

You can view your user quota and what percentage of that quota has been used [2]. Learn how to manage course files.

Open a Folder

Open a Folder

To open folder contents in the preview pane on the right-hand side, click an unlocked folder from the left-hand side.

Open File

Open File

Click the name of the file.

Preview File

Preview File

The preview displays the file and file information details, as well as a link to download the file.

You can scroll through the document, zoom in and out, and view the document in full screen.

View Button

View Button

You can also preview a file by clicking the View button.

Download Files

Download Files

Click the Options icon [1] and then click the Download link [2].

View All Files

View All Files

To see the files for all your courses as well as your personal user files, click the All My Files link.

View Files for All Courses

Canvas displays your User Files page with all course folders displayed below your user files.

Learn more about using files.