Restrict File Types for Assignments in Canvas

If you want to control the types of files students can upload to an assignment, Canvas allows you to restrict file types in the assignment settings. This ensures submissions are in a format that is ideal for the context of the assignment and works well with tools like SpeedGrader.

How to Restrict Upload File Types

These steps apply to an existing assignment.

Open the assignment and click Edit.
Under Submission Type, select Online.
Check the box for File Uploads.
Check the box for Restrict Upload File Types.
In the text box that appears, type the allowed file extensions:
- Extensions can be lowercase, uppercase, or include periods.
- Separate multiple types with commas (e.g., doc, pdf).
- Spaces, capital letters, and periods are allowed as long as the list is separated by commas.

Canvas assignment settings showing File Uploads and Restrict File Types options enabled with example extensions entered.

In this example, the assignment only allows docx, pdf, txt, and xls file types. If commas are used to separate file extensions, you can omit the period when entering the extension.

FAQ: Restrict File Types for Assignments in Canvas

Can students see which file types are allowed?

Yes. On the Assignment page, Canvas displays the accepted file types clearly to students under the submission area.

Canvas Assignment page showing a list of allowed file types to students.

What happens if a student uploads the wrong file type?

The file picker generally prevents students from selecting disallowed file types. If a student manages to select an unsupported type, Canvas will block the upload and display an error message such as "Invalid submission file type."

Canvas error message stating 'Invalid submission file type.'

Common File Types to Allow

The table below includes common file formats and explanations for when and why to use them.

File Type Explanation .pdf Portable Document Format. Keeps formatting intact across platforms. Ideal for finalized submissions and works seamlessly in SpeedGrader. .doc Microsoft Word’s older format. Still widely accepted and compatible with SpeedGrader, though replaced by .docx in newer versions. .docx Current Microsoft Word format. Best for assignments that require text formatting and annotations within SpeedGrader. .pages Apple’s Pages format. Not supported on Windows or SpeedGrader. Students should export as PDF or DOCX before submitting. .txt Plain text with no formatting. Good for code or notes but not ideal for content requiring structure or inline feedback. .rtf Rich Text Format. Supports basic formatting but may render inconsistently. Use with caution for formal submissions. .html Used for web development submissions. Not viewable in SpeedGrader unless downloaded and opened separately.