Canvas: Enable external course tools

There are several external tools available in Canvas that can be added to your Canvas course. These tools can be set up for students to access either through the Modules area or the course menu list.

Note that the list of external tools that can be added to the Course Menu list is not necessarily the same as found under the Modules section. ​​​​​

Instructions:

Add the external Tool in Modules:

1. Navigate to the desired course.
2. Go to the "Modules" location where you want to add the tool.
3. On the far right side, click the + to add content.  
4. From the Add Item window scroll through the list, click the External Tool.
5. A list of External tools appears in the window, scroll down to see more option.
6. Click on the tool to select it. 
7. Check the option to Load in a new tab. (If you do not see this option, expand the window or use the window scroll bar to see more options.)
8. Click Add Item to add the Tool.

Add the external Tool to Course Menu:

1. Navigate to the desired course.
2. Go to Settings (located at the bottom of the course menu).
3. Click the Navigation tab (middle-top of the screen).
4. Locate the item at the bottom half of that page. Drag and drop it to the top of the page above the text that reads "Drag items here to hide them from students"
5. Scroll down to locate the blue Save button at the bottom of the page. Click Save to update the changes.

Outcome:

You will be able to add external tools from both Modules and the Course Menu.

Further reading:

https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-2871

Need additional help?

Please use this link to the Technology Help Desk to locate your local campus contact information.  Use the “Submit a Question” for your campus to enter an online support request.