Add Content in Canvas

Canvas content creation works similarly across all areas of the site where there is a rich content editor.  

Tip: to revert to a previous version of a page, visit our guide on Pages revision.


Step 1.

  • Navigate to the area of Canvas in which you wish to create content.
    • Click "+" to make new content or "edit" to change existing content. Both buttons are found near the top right of the screen. 


Note: "Edit" only appears on individual content, such as a specific assignment page rather than the general "Assignments" menu page.


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Add content to your page

Step 2.

  • Many features in Canvas support a content editor that functions similarly to Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
    • All additional files, media, and links can be added by clicking the "Insert" menu item.

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Add Files

Step 3.

  • Locate the document icon.
    • Select one of the options:
      • Upload Document: from computer
      • Course Documents: from Course Files Area
      • User Documents: from Canvas account
    • Select the desired file from the pop up menu. 
    • The link to the file will show up in the content editor where you put your cursor.

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Add Images

Step 4.

  • Locate the image icon.
    • Select one of the options:
      • Upload Image: from computer
      • Course Images: from Course Files Area
      • User Images: from Canvas account 
    • A pop-up will display to the right of your screen.
    • Remember to click the Submit button after you have made your selection. 
    • Make sure you keep copyright in mind.
    • The image will show up wherever your cursor is. This works just like adding images to your home page.

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Note: If you select "Upload Image", you will also have the option to search Unsplash's photo libraries (this search will comply with copyright laws).
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Add Links

Step 5.

  • Locate the links icon.
    • Select one of the options:
      • External Links: on the web
      • Course Links: content you've already created in Canvas
    • A pop-up will display to the right of your screen. There will be a list of drop-down menus for items like quizzes and assignments. Everything you have already built in Canvas will be on one of these lists.
    • Click the item you want to link to and the link will appear where you had your cursor.

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Add Media

Step 6.

  • Locate the media icon.

    • Select one of the options:
      • Upload / Record media: computer or record from webcam
      • Course media: Canvas Files Area
    • User Media: Canvas account
    • A pop-up will display to the right of your screen.
    • Remember to click the Submit button after you have made your upload or selected media. 
    • After the media has loaded to the page you can view more video options like changing the display by clicking on the thumbnail.


Note: If you select "Upload / Record Media", the video will embed and play on the page. The media file size can be up to 500MB and will not count against the course storage limit.


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Step 7.

  • Click "Save" when you're done
    • Remember to "Publish" your content in order for it to be accessible to students.