Copy Content from another Canvas Site

If you elect to copy over course site materials on your own, complete the checklist below and review all critical copy rules before starting your course copy.

These are the most common sources of copy errors. Some items shouldn't be imported, while others will need follow-up after copying.

Dates

• Check Remove dates checkbox to ensure dates are not misaligned with the term schedule.
• Bulk edit assignment due dates after the import is complete.

Announcements

• Do not copy announcements or non-assignment discussion topics.

Assignments

• To copy all assignment groups, rules, and weighting, import Assignments and/or assignment groups.
• Quizzes, graded discussion topics, and general assignments are included when importing assignments.
• After the import completes, enable weighted grading.

External tools (LTIs)

• External tools must be newly reinstalled.
• Do not import External Tools, including Proctorio.
• Install tools via Hello Harvard after the copy is complete.

Lecture videos and web conferencing

• Lecture video and web conferencing pages and navigation items are set up by the by the department of Teaching & Learning.

Student groups

• Assignments or graded discussions assigned to group sets will copy over.

The Redirect tool

• Use of the Redirect tool is strongly discouraged. It is not mobile-friendly and does not meet current accessibility standards.
• To discuss alternatives, schedule an appointment:  Instructional Technology consultation    

Issues during import

• Completed imports with issues appear shaded in orange.
• A brief report lists encountered issues; not all issues are critical.
• If you need assistance interpreting an issue, contact Instructional Technology.

1. Confirm the course site is unpublished.
   • Publication status can be found on the Home page under Course Status.
   • Unpublishing your course site will ensure students will not access the site as course content comes over published.
     
     
     
2. Click Import Existing Content



3. Select Copy a Canvas Course from the Content Type menu.
   
   
4. Enter the prior term’s course name and check Include completed courses.
   
   
5. Do not select “All content.”
   • Select Specific content.
   • Select Adjust events and due dates.
   • Choose Remove dates.
   • Note: The Shift Dates option is inaccurate and not recommended.
     
     
6. Click +Add to Import.
   
   
7. Select the content categories to copy.
   
   • Do not copy announcements or non-assignment discussion topics.
     
     
8. Click Select Content next to the import job.
   
   
9. Monitor the copy status to confirm completion.
   
   
   
10. Bulk edit assignment due dates to ensure they're aligned with your current course schedule.
    
    
11. Install required LTI tools via Hello Harvard.