3 different files areas

User files

User files are found on the global navigation under Account > Files. This area can be thought of as an alternative to a flash drive. It's similar to a Google drive folder, but specific to Canvas. Files stored here are listed under My Files.

User Files

Course files

Course files are accessed within a course by clicking Files in the course menu. This area is great for course specific materials.

Course Files

Group files

Group files are found within Groups > Files. This area allows users in a group to work on and share files with one another. This will only be available if groups have been created.

Group Files

All files areas are searchable using the search bar above the files browser.

File Search

Using and Managing Files

You can create folders and upload files using the buttons in upper right of the files browser.

Add folder and upload buttons

Files are automatically sorted alphabetically in the files browser. Multiple files can be selected at once by pressing Cmd on a Mac, or Ctrl on a PC.

When you select a file, you'll have different options above the file browser, next to the search bar:

View
Manage access
Download (downloads as a .zip when multiple files are selected, or a folder is selected)
Move
Delete

Click a file's name to view it, view doc info, and download it. The doc info and download options will be available in the upper right corner when a file has been opened in the files browser.

Download and Doc Info buttons

Files can be uploaded individually or in bulk by clicking the Upload button in the upper right. You can also drag and drop files from your computer into the files browser to upload them.

Drag and drop upload

Multiple folders or files can also be zipped and uploaded. Canvas will then extract them upon uploading. This is the best way to upload folders and retain the files within them, as opposed to creating a folder within Canvas and then uploading individual files to that folder.