how to copy a canvas course to another

Daniel Parker

3 min read

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24-01-2025

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Copying a Canvas course to another is a fantastic way to save time and effort when creating new courses or semesters. This guide will walk you through the process, covering different methods and addressing common issues. Whether you're a seasoned Canvas user or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you efficiently duplicate your Canvas courses.

Understanding Canvas Course Copy Methods

Canvas offers several ways to copy a course, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right method depends on your specific needs and the level of customization you require.

Method 1: Copying Within the Same Account

This is the simplest method, ideal for duplicating a course within the same Canvas institution or account.

Steps:

1. Navigate to your course: Log into Canvas and access the course you want to copy.
2. Access the Settings: Click on "Settings" in the course navigation menu.
3. Copy Course: Locate the "Copy This Course" option. You'll be prompted to select a destination course (or create a new one).
4. Select Options: Choose whether to copy content, settings, and other course elements. You can customize this selection based on your needs.
5. Confirm: Review your choices and confirm the copy process. This might take a few minutes depending on the course size.

Pros: Simple, quick, and straightforward for in-account copies.

Cons: Only works within the same Canvas account.

Method 2: Importing a Course Export Package

This method allows you to copy a course between different Canvas accounts, even different institutions.

Steps:

1. Export the Course: In the source course, navigate to "Settings" and find the "Export Course Content" option. Choose the desired content package (Common Cartridge or IMS).
2. Download the Package: The export will create a file (usually a .zip file) that you'll need to download.
3. Import into the Destination Course: In the destination Canvas course, access "Settings" and select "Import Course Content."
4. Upload the Package: Upload the downloaded export file. Select the desired import options.
5. Confirm: Review your settings and confirm the import.

Pros: Allows copying between different accounts and institutions. Provides more control over which elements are copied.

Cons: More complex than the in-account copy method. Requires careful selection of import options to ensure data integrity.

Method 3: Using the Canvas Commons (for sharing with others)

Canvas Commons is a repository where instructors can share course content. This is useful if you want to share your course with colleagues.

Steps:

1. Navigate to Canvas Commons: Find the link to Canvas Commons (usually in your Canvas account's global navigation).
2. Import to Commons: In your source course, locate the option to export to Canvas Commons.
3. Share with Others or Import: Others can then import the course content from Commons into their own Canvas courses.

Pros: Excellent for sharing teaching materials across multiple institutions and users.

Cons: Requires public sharing and may not be suitable for all course materials due to privacy concerns.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Large Course Files: Copying very large courses can take a considerable amount of time. Be patient and allow sufficient time for the process to complete.
• Import Errors: Ensure your export and import settings are correct. Incorrect settings can lead to incomplete copies or errors. Carefully review all options before confirming.
• Missing Content: If some content is missing after copying, double-check your export and import settings to ensure all desired content was included. You may need to re-export and import the course.
• Content Conflicts: When importing into an existing course, be aware of potential content conflicts. The system will usually warn you of potential issues and prompt you to make choices on how to handle those conflicts.

Best Practices for Copying Canvas Courses

• Regularly Backup your Course: Before copying a course, consider backing up your original course content. This ensures you have a secure copy in case anything goes wrong during the copy process.
• Test the Copy: After copying, thoroughly test the copied course to ensure everything works correctly. Check all links, assignments, and other course elements.
• Update Links: If you've copied a course with internal links, you might need to update those links to point to the correct locations within the new course.
• Review Settings: After copying, carefully review the course settings in the copied course to ensure they are accurate for the new context.

By following these steps and best practices, you can efficiently and effectively copy your Canvas courses, saving significant time and effort while maintaining the integrity of your course materials. Remember to always thoroughly review the copied course to ensure everything functions as intended.