File Uploads via File Tree or Editor

Some people find it confusing with the label “drop files” or “drag and drop” feature (i.e., upload) in Canvas; there are two different locations with this feature, File Tree and Rich Content Editor (RCE).

File Tree

In the File Tree, users can use the upload button to retrieve their files (documents or images) from their computer to Canvas.

• Personal files - Find the Files link in your Canvas account.
• Course files - Go to the Course Navigation Menu and scroll down to the Files link.

Users will see two buttons that share the same functionality; activate the Upload button or activate the “Drop files here to upload or choose files” button. The instructions are as follows:

1. Activate the button, and the file upload dialog appears.
2. Find the file and copy it (CTRL+C).
3. Paste the file name using CTRL+V in the file name edit box.
4. Or click the file, and the file immediately shows up in the file name edit box.
5. Press the Open or OK button.
6. The dialog closes and uploads immediately to the Files tree page.

Some people prefer to copy the file from the File Explorer on their computer and then go to Canvas. Activate the upload button or the “Drop files here to upload” button, and the upload dialog appears. Paste it in the file name edit box.

Rich Content Editor

The Rich Content Editor (RCE) also offers two features to upload images or files; they also share the same functionality. Activate the Insert button via the menu bar, and the dropdown menu opens. Scroll down to the Image or Document link. 

Activate the link to open another dropdown menu. Activate the Upload Image or Document link. The upload dialog appears.

Activate the Upload image or file button that says, “Drag and drop or click to browse your computer.” The instructions are as follows:

1. Activate the button, and the file upload dialog appears.
2. Find the file or image and copy it (CTRL+C).
3. Paste the file name using CTRL+V in the file name edit box.
4. Or click the file, and the file immediately shows up in the file name edit box.
5. Press the Open or OK button.
6. The dialog closes and uploads immediately to the Editor.