The film clip here shows a generic Canvas interface. The interface at KI is largely the same, but in different colours.

Canvas supports many standard file-types, for example Word, Powerpoint and PDF. Students can choose to either view the file online, or to download it.

Uploading files with Module view - easy for students to find

When you upload a file to be part of a module, it ties into the course structure in a meaningful way. This makes course navigation simpler for the students.

Upload files in Module view

Click on the + symbol inside the module
Choose add File
Click on New file
Pick the file you want to add
Click on Add item

When you upload your file, it is automatically published and appears in the module list with the same name as the file's filename. If you wish to clarify the name, you can click on the three dots to the right of the row with the name of the file, and edit the name.

Uploading files with Files view - good for lots of files

Upload files in the file view

Click on the Files button in the course menu.
Click on the + symbol to create a folder
Give the folder a name, and then click on the tick to save it
Open the folder
Upload the files. If necessary, you can drag and drop multiple files at the same time from a computer.

IMPORTANT! Remember that it isn't as clear for your students how the files connect to the rest of your course material if you choose this working method. You also need to specify for the students where they should find the files.

Edit or change a file

Canvas cannot edit uploaded files, instead you will need to make the changes on your computer, save them, and re-upload the file.

The easiest way to change a file is to choose Files in the menu. Make sure that you are in the same folder as the original file, upload a file with exactly the same name, then you will be asked if you would like to replace the file.

If you choose to replace the file (as opposed to renaming it), the file will be automatically replaced within the module too.

It's worth noting that it is not possible to replace a file via the module view. If you try to do this, Canvas will automatically rename the uploaded file for you, instead of replacing the old one.

Uploading .zip files

As you have seen in the video above, it is also possible to upload .zip files. When you upload a .zip file, two options appear - Upload it, or Expand it. The Expand it button automatically unpacks the contents, including the entire file structure of the .zip file in your chosen folder.

This can be useful if you have a lot of existing course materials to upload from a previous course, or if have for example, a set of pictures which are already neatly sorted into folders.

Tasks to complete to earn the diploma

Task: Upload a file within Module view, so it shows in the module structure in the same way as a page. Task: Upload a few files via File view