Enhanced Grading - Import of Canvas Rubric not working

Question

Is there a trick to importing a rubric when using the Canvas rubric template?  I download the csv file and fill in the Canvas Rubric template from the Enhanced Grading feature and nothing happens when I try to upload it.  It only shows the file name, but not it's size.  Yes, it is still a CSV.  I've tried removing all symbols and punctuation and it still doesn't work.

Jeff_F · Accepted Answer

@annalexa -

This usually happens when the Enhanced Grading rubric CSV is modified in a way Canvas does not tolerate. Even though it downloads as a CSV, the import is very strict. Editing the file in Excel often introduces hidden changes such as encoding, line endings, column order, or extra blank rows, which can cause the upload to fail silently and only show the file name.

A couple things to try. Avoid Excel if possible and edit the file in a plain text editor. I use Notepad++ daily and it is fantastic. Downloads | Notepad++ Make sure it stays UTF 8 without a byte order mark. Remove any extra blank rows at the bottom of the file and do not change column order or headers.

As a workaround, many teams are creating the rubric once directly in Canvas and then duplicating it or copying the assignment with the rubric attached. This approach is currently more reliable than repeated CSV imports with Enhanced Grading.

This works especially well when a rubric will be reused across multiple assignments, sections, or future terms. Once the rubric is created natively in Canvas and confirmed to work, duplicating the assignment or copying it into other courses preserves the rubric without relying on fragile CSV imports. It is also a practical option when Enhanced Grading imports are blocking progress, and you need a stable solution to keep course development moving.