As a student, you have the ability to store files (like documents, images, and presentations) in Canvas. From Canvas you can view the files, the size of the file, and a preview. As a student, you will get your own personal "User Files" and any files that belong to groups you are part of.
Finding & Using Your User Files
To open your personal Files:
- Click on "Account" in the global navigation menu;
- Click on Files
On the left of the screen, you will notice all of your Files folders. On the right side you will find the details about the Files. At the bottom left, you can also view your storage space. 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 will be created for you. The following list might be of assistance:
- Conversation attachments - Stores files that you attach to Inbox messages
- Data exports - ZIP files created when you download assignment submissions from all your courses
- Profile pictures - Stores all profile pictures you upload
- Submission - Contains copies of all assignment submissions submitted to Canvas and not an external tool (like Pearson or Cengage)
- Unfiled - Stores files attached to discussion threads
You will see files for courses (if you instructor allows you to see these files) and files for groups of which you are a member.
Student - Files Overview (3:27)
This video from Canvas walks you through the steps of changing your notification preferences in Canvas.
00:07: How do I use files? 00:09: The basic functionality within files is the same within each files location, 00:13: but some features May differ according to feature area. 00:18: The left panel shows all folders for Quick Navigation. 00:20: Some folders may be housed within other folders to expand 00:25: all folders. Click the arrows next to the folder name. 00:29: When you click the name of a folder all contents within the folder you are viewing 00:33: display in the right panel. You can also click folder names in the right 00:37: panel to view folder content. 00:40: For each file you can view the name of the file the date the file was created 00:44: the date the file was modified the name of the person who modified the file 00:48: if Modified by another user and the size of the file. 00:53: Files are sorted alphabetically to sort files. 00:56: Click the name of any column heading. 00:59: You can also view the published status for your user files. 01:03: Depending on the file area files may contain several options to manage files. 01:09: Search for files files is fully searchable by file name. 01:13: Add a folder add a new folder to files to store files. 01:17: Folders can also house other folders. 01:20: Upload a file upload a file to files. 01:24: Change the state of the files can be published unpublished 01:28: or include a restricted status? 01:32: To select a file click the name of the file. 01:34: You can also select multiple files at the same time by holding the Command 01:38: MAC or control PC key. 01:43: When a file is selected files displays the file toolbar at the top of the 01:47: window. Depending on the files area. 01:49: The toolbar may contain several options to manage the selected files 01:54: preview the file restrict access to the file download 01:58: the file move the file or delete the file. 02:03: You can also manage some or all options for a selected file within the files options 02:07: menu. 02:09: Course files and group files May display a column for usage rights If 02:13: enabled the column displays the usage rate copyright for the file. 02:18: Files that do not contain a usage right display as a warning icon. 02:23: To change the usage rate for a file in group files. 02:25: Click on the usage right icon for that file. 02:30: This guide covered how to use files.
If you have additional questions about Files in Canvas, visit the Files Student Guides from Canvas.