What are Files?
The Files area of Canvas can house course files, assignments, syllabi, readings, or other documents, as well as profile pictures and user-specific files. Instructors can lock folders and files so they can only be viewed by direct links or only unlock on a specific date.
Files can be placed in Modules, Assignments, or Pages. Files and folders are put in alphabetical order and cannot be rearranged.
You can view files (documents, images, media, etc.) in three different places:
- Account Files: view and manage personal user files (all users)
- Course Files: view and manage files located in a course (students, instructors, and TAs unless files are locked by the teacher)
- Group Files: view and manage files located in a group (students and instructors who are enrolled in groups)
You can learn more about using Files.
To learn about specific file quota details for each user role, view the Course Files Quota resource document.
When would I use Files as an Instructor?
Use Files to:
- Share course documents and syllabi with your students
- Copy documents from one Canvas course to another
- Organize course documents by day, week, or unit
- Store personal documents that you don't want to share with others
Within Files, you can:
- Add folders
- Upload files
- Download or upload a ZIP file
- Move files
- Preview files
- Restrict files
- View your storage
- Drag and drop files from personal files into course files
- Set usage rights for files and folders
When would I use Files as a Student?
Use Files to:
- Share documents with your group or other students in a course
- Store personal documents or assignment submissions
- Store profile pictures (if allowed by your institution)
