How do I use Files as an instructor?

As an instructor, Files allows you to store files and assignments within Canvas. You can upload one or multiple files, view all details about your files, preview files, publish and unpublish files, set usage rights, and restrict access to files. Files is built with responsive design to adjust for browser scaling. The folder navigation window, file displays, and even file names adjust to the width of the browser window.

View a video about files.

You have access to files (documents, images, media, etc.) in three different feature areas:

View Files

View Files

The basic functionality within Files is the same within each files location, but some features may differ according to feature area.

The left panel [1] shows all folders for quick navigation. Some folders may be housed within other folders. Click the arrows next to the folder name to expand all folders.

Click the name of a folder. All contents within the folder you are viewing display in the right panel [2]. You can also click folder names in the right panel to view folder content.

Navigate File Headings

Navigate File Headings

For each file, you can view the name of the file [1], the date the file was created [2], the date the file was modified [3] and the name of the person who modified the file (if modified by another user) [4], and the size of the file [5].

Courses and groups may display a column for usage rights. If enabled, the column displays the user right (copyright) for the file [6].

You can also view the published status [7] for all files.

Files are sorted alphabetically. To sort files, click the name of any column heading.

Manage Files

Manage Files

Depending on the file area, files may contain several options to manage files:

Search for files [1]. Files is fully searchable by file name.

Add a folder [2]. Add a new folder to Files to store files. Folders can also house other folders.

Upload a file [3]. Upload a file to Files.

For courses and groups using usage rights, set the user right (copyright) for a file [4]. You must set a user right for a file before it can be published. Files that do not contain a usage right display as a warning icon.

Change the state of the file [5]. Files can be published, unpublished, or include a restricted status.

Manage Selected Files

Manage Selected Files

To select a file, click the name of the file. You can also select multiple files at the same time by holding the command (MAC) or control (PC) key.

When a file is selected, Files displays the file toolbar at the top of the window. Depending on the files area, the toolbar may contain several options to manage the selected file(s):

  • Preview the file [1]
  • Manage file to restrict access [2]
  • Download the file [3] (when selecting more than one file, option appears to download as a zip file)
  • Move the file [4]
  • Manage Usage Rights for the file [5]
  • Delete the file [6]

 You can also manage some or all options for a selected file within the file's Options menu [7].

View Blueprint Course

View Blueprint Course

If your course includes Blueprint icons, your course is associated with a blueprint course. Blueprint Courses are courses managed as a template and may contain locked objects managed by a Canvas admin, course designer, or other instructor.

The Course Details tab in Course Settings will tell you if your course is a blueprint course. Most commonly, your course will not be a blueprint course and you can only manage unlocked content in your course. If your course is a blueprint course, you can lock and sync course content to associated courses.

 

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