Copy a Canvas Course: Importing Content

Canvas gives you the ability to reuse content you've already created. "Copy my course", "import my content", and "roll my course forward", are a few familiar references to the processes described in this guide. The bottom line is that you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

At the start of each term, always copy your content before making edits to preserve the academic record of the previous term.

There are three copy strategies for Canvas:

Copy the entire course.
Copy only select parts.
Copy a single Module or one item inside a Module.

Copy the Entire Course

This method uses the option Canvas calls Import Existing Content. This is the most common method used by instructors who have previously taught a course and are preparing to do it again in a later term.

This approach is recommended for ensuring no content is accidentally missed that would result in broken links throughout a course.

Remember, don't "clean up" the previous course before copying it! Copy first, edit second.

Open the new course you want to set up. There are a few template items that are addressed in the demonstration video.
Locate and click the Import Existing Content button on either the Home page or in Settings. Both locations get to the same tool.
On the Import Content page that opens, use the drop-down menu to select Copy a Canvas Course.
Use the Search for a Course field to locate the existing course with the content you want copied.
Select All content.
If your previous course used due dates, select Adjust events and due dates. If not, you can skip the option.
- Shift dates: This choice triggers the copy process to adjust all your due dates for you - it's recommended to reduce your workload. Enter the beginning and ending participation dates of your previous course, which you'd find in the Settings of that course. Then enter the new course's beginning and ending participation dates.
- Remove dates: This choice removes all dates from every aspect of the course for a fresh start.
- Substitution: Allows you to adjust for changing class schedules, such as when the term start day moves from Monday to Tuesday.
Click Import and allow the process to run.
- Confirm the status shows completed in either green or orange.
- If orange warning, check the issues and ensure you edit the problematic materials.
- Contact the Help Desk if the status shows as Failed in red.
Go to Settings > Navigation and edit your course navigation links.
Go to Pages > View All Pages and set the correct Front Page for the course.
Go to Modules > Course Orientation for Students and edit for your course needs.

Copy All Content Demonstration Video

Copy Only Select Parts

If you are certain to only need a few parts of your course, you can choose Select Specific Content on step 5 in the Copy an Entire Course process.

Select Specific Content Demonstration Video

Copy a Single Module or One Item Inside a Module

If you only want to copy a module or an individual module item from your course, the "Copy To" feature is the best choice. Note, Copy To has a known issue with New Quizzes.

For this option, you need to open the previous course where the content exists - the exact opposite of the Import Content tool.

Copy To is for sharing with yourself in another course.
Send To is for sharing content with other people.

Copy To Demonstration Video

Copy Your Canvas Course FAQ

How do participation dates work in Canvas courses?

Participation dates control students' ability to actively work in your course. They are dependent on the course being Published first, then they allow instructors to further manage course access.

Where can I learn more about adjusting dates during the import process?

Read the instructor guide for adjusting events and due dates.

Where can I learn more about import status?

Read the instructor guide to view the status of current and prior imports.