Canvas offers two methods in the Import Course Content tool for moving content from one course to another: Copy a Canvas Course and Course Export Package. This article compares them so you can choose the best method for reusing your course from one semester to the next.
Jump to section: Scenario-based Recommendations | Side-by-Side Comparison | Before You Import | What to Check After Import
About Each Method
Copy a Canvas Course is the recommended method for semester-to-semester reuse when you can still access the source course
-
Pros:
- Fewer steps, with no file to download or upload
- Typically the fastest option
-
Cons:
- Works only within HWS's Canvas
- Requires that you are enrolled in the source course with a role that can add course content
- Does not create a backup, since it depends on the source course continuing to exist
Canvas Course Export Package is the better option when you cannot access the source course, or when you want a saved snapshot of the course. This option can also be helpful if the time period between course offerings will be longer than 4 years.
- Pros:
- Needs only the file, so it works when you cannot access the source course
- Creates a stored snapshot you can keep as a backup
- Can be shared with colleagues, who can import it independently
-
Cons:
- More steps: export, download, store, and upload
- The package must be smaller than the destination course's file storage quota
- Courses over 20 GB cannot be exported
Both methods let you import all content or select specific content, and both let you adjust dates. Both can also produce broken links and missing images, so review the checklist at the end of this article after every import.
Choosing a Method
Use the tables below to help determine the best method.
Scenario-based Recommendations
| Scenario |
Recommended Method |
Reason |
| Semester-to-semester rollover (same instructor) |
Copy a Canvas Course |
The source is still accessible, and it is the fastest route |
| New instructor inheriting a course |
Copy a Canvas Course if the instructor is added to the source course; otherwise an export package from the previous instructor |
The deciding factor is whether the new instructor can see the source course |
| Shared course-development project |
Export package |
It is easy to hand off, and each collaborator imports independently |
| Sandbox or template course |
Copy a Canvas Course |
Templates are reused often, and a direct copy keeps it simple |
| Departing instructor's content |
Export package |
It preserves a snapshot after the source course or account is gone |
A more detailed comparison is available below.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor |
Copy a Canvas Course |
Canvas Course Export Package |
| How it works |
Select the source course in the import tool, and Canvas copies the content inside the system |
Export the source course as an .imscc file, download it, and upload it to the destination course |
| Instructor guide |
Copy content using the Course Import tool |
Export a course and import an export package |
| Access needed |
Enrolled in the source course with a role that can add course content |
Only the file is needed |
| Steps involved |
Fewer |
More |
| Content selection |
All content or specific content |
All content or specific content |
| Date handling |
Adjust events and due dates option |
Adjust events and due dates option |
| Portability |
Same Canvas instance only |
Can move between Canvas instances or to systems that support Common Cartridge |
| Backup value |
None on its own |
A stored snapshot, but the export download expires after 30 days |
| Size limits |
None documented |
Package must fit within the destination course's storage quota. Courses over 20 GB cannot be exported. |
| Not carried over |
See section Before You Import |
Student interactions and grades. Some external tool configurations (Google Drive, Office 365). |
| Quiz behavior |
Importing again can overwrite existing content |
Importing a quiz again creates a duplicate copy |
Before You Import
Note: Importing the same content more than once can overwrite existing content in the course. If you import into a new course, edit the content, and later import the original again, the imported version will replace your edits.
Note: If you copy all content, or include course settings in selected content, the grade posting policy from the original course overrides the policy in the new course.
Note: If the destination course has a late or missing submission policy, temporarily disable it before importing to prevent zero grades from being entered automatically in the Gradebook. Re-enable it once the import is complete.
Method A: Copy a Canvas Course
For instructions, see Instructure's guide: How do I copy content from another Canvas course using the Course Import tool?
Note: If you do not see a course from a previous term in the course list, confirm that Include completed courses is checked.
Method B: Canvas Course Export Package
This method has two parts. For instructions, see Instructure's guides:
- Export the source course: How do I export a Canvas course?
- Import the package into the destination course: How do I import a Canvas course export package?
This method has potential snags. Note the following:
- Content exports expire after 30 days and can no longer be downloaded, so download the file promptly.
- Exports do not include student interactions or grades. Export grades separately from the Gradebook as a CSV file.
- Some external tool configurations, such as Google Drive and Microsoft Office 365, are not retained in exported courses. Use Method A if your course depends on them.
- The package can overwrite some existing course settings, such as the copyright license. Review your course settings after the import.
- You cannot update an existing quiz by importing a modified version. Importing the same quiz again creates a second copy.
- After importing, you must manually subscribe to or re-enable notifications for imported discussions and announcements.
What to Check After Import
The same checks apply to both methods. Imported content does not always arrive exactly as it appeared in the source course, so review the new course before you publish it.
| Area |
What to check |
| Embedded images |
Open Pages, Assignments, Announcements, Discussions, and the Syllabus and confirm images display. Look for images that still point to the source course's files instead of the new course. |
| Quizzes |
Check question text for missing images and preview each quiz. If you use New Quizzes, review those separately. Confirm you did not create duplicate quizzes. |
| Links |
Test links between pages, modules, and files. Look for links that still point to the old course, and confirm external links still work. |
| Embedded and third-party media |
Confirm that video embeds (such as Panopto), annotation assignments (such as Hypothesis), and other external tool links load. These sometimes need to be re-linked or re-authorized. |
| Files |
Confirm files landed in the expected folders and that publish and lock settings carried over. |
| Modules |
Verify the order, prerequisites, completion requirements, and published state. |
| Dates |
Confirm due dates, availability dates, and the calendar reflect the new term. |
| Settings and grading |
Review course settings (including the copyright license), the grading scheme, assignment groups and weights, and the grade posting policy. Re-enable your late/missing policy if you disabled it. |
| Notifications |
Re-subscribe to imported discussions and announcements. |
| Student View |
Use Student View to walk through the course before publishing. |
Note: Broken links and missing images are the most common issues after an import, so check them first. Canvas also has a Link Validator that can help find broken links. See How do I validate links in a course?