Canvas files | Staff guide

If you’re finding the process of uploading updated files and re-linking these in your Canvas pages/modules a bit of a faff, there’s a much easier way. It’s all about managing filenames.

The start of each academic year begins with the process of copying and updating files in your Canvas course. You’ll probably find that some of your files need updating. There may be emerging developments in your field of study or you might want to update Microsoft Word/pdf documents that reference last year's dates for the coming year. This process can be really efficient in Canvas, but you need to follow one rule to get the benefit.

The files area within your course contains all the files that you have uploaded to any page, module or assignment. Files can also be uploaded directly to this space, and if a file already exists with the same name the file will be overwritten. If you overwrite the files in the files area, there is no need to modify any of your pages or modules. It is all updated automatically.

It is common practice to rename your files to the most recent working version, or include a date in your filename, but keeping your filename simple allows you to quickly overwrite and update your files in Canvas.

• How do I view course files as a tutor?