Last revised January 26th 2022

Nota bene. Since the movie above was created, the usage rights dialog box has changed and the cloud icon has been replaced with a crossed out eye or calendar. The dialogue box now looks like this:

Dialogue box

If you upload a file in Canvas, it will be published immediately by default. This can cause problems if the file is to be used in an activity, for example, in a time-restricted assignment. You can avoid this by creating a folder for restricted files.

Tip! Think about if you really need to upload a file. A simpler solution is to copy the text from the document and paste it into the description box. This way, you do not need a Canvas Document Viewer that is a bit cumbersome, especially for mobile readers, and the student does not need extra software such as a PDF reader or Word to take part of the information.

Create a temporary folder

Restrict file in Files

Restrict file in Files

Permissions for a folder. The option Only available to students with link is highlighted.

Click the Files link in the course menu.
Click the Add Folder button to create a folder. Type the name of the folder in Name field. In the example here, the folder is named Restricted files.
Click the green Check button.
Click the Only available to students with link option.
Click the Update button.

The files in the folder will only be accessible to users with a link, or if you add the files to another area, such as a module (module headings are also links).

Restricted file and crossed out eye Next to the folder with the restricted files an icon with a crossed out eye will appear (6). If you hover over the icon you can, as an instructor, view the restricted status for the files.

Upload files to the restricted folder

It is possible to upload files to the restricted folder. Just open the folder and click the Upload button.

Uploading via an Assignment

Click on Files.
Click on Add File
Select the file you want to upload.
Important! Select which folder the file is to be uploaded to. Select the restricted folder you just created.
Click the Upload button.

If you need to restrict files after having uploaded

Have you accidentally uploaded files that should be restricted? You can manage this by clicking on Files in the Course menu and create a restricted folder. Then, drag the files that you do not want users to access into the folder.

Student view

A hidden folder is completely invisible to students. If you want to make sure that it really worked, go to the head of the web page, click on Student View. Now you see what the student has access to in your course.