How to export a Canvas Course

Canvas Learning Management System

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 can only be opened by programs that support Common Cartridge files. You can also change the extension from .imscc to .zip and treat it as any other ZIP file.

Notes:

• Canvas exports do not include backups of student interactions and grades. Grades can be exported separately as a comma separated values (CSV) file.
• Some external app LTI tools such as Google Drive do not retain tool configurations in exported courses.
• Canvas does not support course export files over 50 GB. Courses over 50 GB in size will not export and will display an error message when you attempt to export. However, VCU Canvas courses have a size limit of 2 GB so if your course is larger than this, it is important that you size it down to 2GB or less.

1. In Course Navigation, click the Settings link.

2. Click the Export Course Content link located on the right-hand side.

3. In the Export Type heading, click the Course radio button. 

4. Click Create Export.

Note: If you have previously exported the course, Canvas will display prior exports under the Content Exports heading.

5. 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.

 6. When your download is ready, click the New Export link.

Note: Content exports expire after 30 days and can no longer be downloaded.