"Resource does not exist" only on iOS app?

Question

I upload PDFs to my files (not course files) and then link to them in several assignments. Students who are using the iOS app have sent me screenshots of an error message, "The specified resource does not exist," when they try to click the file link to download. However, if I send them the URL of the link, they can download it without issue.

Anyone else have this problem?

unknown · Answer

Hi, yes, there is a reason: my institution does not allow us to have multiple sections in the same canvas course, so the 4 sections of one class I teach are all separate courses. Because Canvas Commons does not import linked files, the options are as follows: (1) add files to each course individually and manually update the links; (2) link to a shared resource in Canvas Commons; (3) add the files to my Canvas account's files instead of a particular course; (4) link to an external site such as Google Drive.

#1 is an unacceptable disruption to my workflow. #2 doesn't work because the Canvas Commons interface is way overbuilt for what I want to do, and it honestly looks awful. #3 was my previous solution, but apparently it doesn't work anymore--but only on iOS. Right now, I'm doing #4.

(As it happens, Canvas Commons doesn't import due dates, either, when you add resources to another course, so I have to manually adjust those, too!)

Chris_Hofer · Answer

@ChrisGage ...

Is there a reason why you are not uploading a copy of those PDF files to your course "Files" as well?  I would recommend doing this and then linking to those files from Course Files instead of your own personal Files area of Canvas.  If you wanted, in the course "Files", you can hide those files yet still link to them in content pages of your course.

*  How do I upload a file to a course? - Instructure Community 
*  How do I upload a document in the Rich Content Edi... - Instructure Community 
*  How do I embed documents from Canvas in the Rich C... - Instructure Community

Hope this helps.  Let Community members know if you have any other questions about this...thanks!