File Downloads

Preview in overlay or inline poses some accessibility issues; some of the issues appear minor or annoying. They are not entirely showstoppers since users using assistive technologies can figure out how to get around these issues. It is essential that they have options if they face problems with the previews.

Figure 1: Preview in Overlay

Figure 2: Preview in Inline 

Download File Options

Downloading the files is the most accessible approach for users; they can view the documents outside the Canvas environment. The options to download are:

•       Add Module Item as a Link
•       Add Course Item as a Link

1.   Add Module Item as a Link

One of the options to download files is to have access to the link immediately at the top of the page; this is highly recommended. When the student activates the module item link within the module, it will display the download link at the top before the overlay preview opens.

Figure 3: Module item link within the module

Figure 4: Download link at the top of the page

Instructions

The instructions on adding the course content as module items within the module are shown step by step: How do I add course content as module items?

2.   Add Course Item as a Link

The second option to download the document within the page is located after the file link; the download icon link will automatically appear.

Figure 5: Download icon link after the file link

Instructions

The instructions on linking to a file within the page are shown step by step: How do I link to a file in a Canvas text box?