Canvas: Managing Course Files

Summary

This article describes the process to manage course files and why it is important.

 

Why is it important to manage course files?

Each course is given 1 GB of space for course files. Although this is most usually sufficient, sometimes the course quota is used to its maximum. When course quota is full, files can no longer be added. The quickest way to free up space and be able to add new items is to check your course files and determine if you have duplicate files or unused files.  Video and audio files can be uploaded into Kaltura. Managing course files could potentially free up space immediately.

You can check how much course storage you've used by going to the Course > Files and on the bottom is the percentage of 1 GB used.

NOTE: Student submissions are not stored in the course files area and therefore do not count against the course quota.

 

How-To

First, it is important to assess what type and size of files you have saved within the course.

Task: To view/manage files

Instruction 

Step 1 - Enter the course you wish to view/manage files for

Step 2 - Click on Files in course menu. This lists all the files, images, and sometimes videos that have been uploaded into your course.

Screenshot of files selection in course menu in Canvas.

Step 3 - Sort the column by clicking on Size. You want the larger files to sort to the top of the column. Very large files will be in MB's and when deleted will free up the most space quickly.

Screenshot of column sorted by size with largest files on top.

Step 4 - Determine if these files can be stored elsewhere. See Canvas: Files and File Storage Quotas

Step 5 - For duplicate files or files that no longer need to be saved in the course, hover over the course, click on three dots to the right, and choose Delete.

  • NOTE: Ensure when deleting the files that they no longer need to be accessed from the modules. If you have created a link within the module you will need to remove that also. When deleting duplicate files make sure to not delete the one linked in the module.

Step 6 - After you have made the deletions you can validate course links. For help, see How do I validate links in a course? from Instructure/Canvas Support.

 

Outcome

Users will be able to manage their course files on Canvas.

 

Further reading 

Canvas: Files and File Storage Quotas  

How do I validate links in a course?  - Instructure/Canvas Support article

 

Need additional help?

Visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.