You can export a Canvas course to give to someone in another Canvas account, to upload to another institution's account at a later date, or to create a copy as a backup on your local computer. You can import an export file into Canvas at any time.
Exports are packaged as IMSCC ZIP files, which only open in programs that support Common Cartridge files. You can also change the extension from .imscc to .zip and treat it as any other ZIP file.
All course content will be included in the export package except in the following scenarios:
- Student interactions and grades backups: Canvas exports do not include backups of student interactions and grades. You can export grades separately as a comma-separated values (CSV) file.
- Tool configurations: Some external app LTI tools, such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office 365, do not retain tool configurations in exported courses. copying the course instead.
- Course export files over 20 GB: Canvas does not support course export files over 20 GB. Courses over 20 GB in size do not export and show an error message when you attempt to export.
Note: Canvas for Elementary export packages retain the Canvas for Elementary theme.
View the video transcript
00:07: How do I export a Canvas course?
00:10: In Course Navigation, click the Settings link.
00:13: Click the Export Course Content link.
00:17: In the Export Type heading, click the Course radio button. Click the Create
00:21: Export button.
00:23: View the progress bar. Exporting
00:26: a course in Canvas may take a few minutes, depending on its size. You
00:30: will receive an email when the export is complete.
00:34: When your download is ready, click the New Export link.
00:38: This guide covered how to export a Canvas course.
Open Settings
In Course Navigation, click the Settings link.
Export Course
Click the Export Course Content link.
Select Export Type
In the Export Type heading, click the Course radio button [1]. Click the Create Export button [2].
Note: If you have previously exported the course, Canvas will display prior exports under the Content Exports heading.
View Export Process
View the progress bar. Exporting a course in Canvas may take a few minutes, depending on its size. You will receive an email when the export is complete.
Download New Export
When your download is ready, click the New Export link.
Note: Content exports expire after 30 days and can no longer be downloaded.
