What are files?

Files can be in the form of course files, assignments files, readings, or other documents, as well as profile pictures and user-specific files.

For access to files within the module, instructors can lock folders and files so they can only be viewed by direct links. They can also be set to 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.

In general, Canvas users will access their files in three places:

Personal files, located in each user's profile (for all students, teachers, and TAs)
Course files, located in each course (for students enrolled in the course, teachers, and TAs unless files are locked by the teacher)
Group files, located in each group (for students and teachers enrolled in the course and the groups)

As an instructor, when would you use Files?

Files can be used to share course documents with your students.

Audio and video files occupy space. They can exhaust your course's 1 GB storage allowance, Audio and video files are best kept in the Videos (Panopto) and you use the video links in your Canvas course. In Panopto you can upload an unlimited amount of media content.

Within Files you can also:

Copy documents from one Canvas course to another
Organize course documents by day, week, or unit
Control access to your documents

In 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.

Let's take a look at how to upload a file to your course in the next page. To continue learning, click "Next".