Overview
Canvas allows faculty to copy instructional materials from an existing course into another Canvas course using the Import Existing Content feature. This can help faculty prepare courses without having to recreate instructional materials individually.
Faculty can choose to import all available course content or select specific materials to copy. Canvas also provides an option to adjust assignment due dates and calendar events during the import process.
Before You Begin
Identify the existing Canvas course containing the instructional materials you want to copy and the destination course where the content should be imported.
Important: Begin the process from the destination course — the course that will receive the copied content — rather than the course containing the original materials.
How to Copy Content from an Existing Canvas Course
- Open the Canvas course into which you would like to copy content.
- From the course Home page, click Import Existing Content on the right side of the page.
- Under Select Content Type, choose Copy a Canvas Course.
- In the Search for a Course field, enter the name of the Canvas course containing the materials you want to copy. Select the appropriate course from the list.
- Choose whether to Import All Content or Select Specific Content.
- Import All Content: Copies all available content from the selected source course.
- Select Specific Content: Allows you to choose only the materials you want to import after the import process begins.
- If desired, check Adjust events and due dates to automatically update assignment due dates and calendar events for the new course.
- Click Import to start the import process.
- Monitor the Current Jobs section to view the status of the import.
- If you selected Select Specific Content, click Select Content when the option becomes available. Choose the materials you want to import, then click Select Content again to begin importing the selected materials.
Understanding Canvas Import Options
Canvas provides two options when copying content from another course. Select the option that best matches the materials you want to transfer.
| Import Option |
Description |
When to Use |
| Import All Content |
Copies all available content from the selected Canvas course. |
When you want to reuse the available course materials from an existing course. |
| Select Specific Content |
Allows you to select only the course materials you want to copy. |
When you need only selected instructional materials rather than the entire course content. |
Adjusting Events and Due Dates
During the import process, Canvas provides an optional Adjust events and due dates setting.
Select this option if you want Canvas to automatically adjust assignment due dates and calendar events for the destination course.
Reminder: Review Course Dates
After importing content, review assignment due dates and calendar events to ensure they are appropriate for the new course.
Checking the Import Status
After clicking Import, use the Current Jobs section to monitor the progress of your course import.
Depending on the amount of content being copied, the import process may take several minutes to complete.
Tip: If the import status has not updated, refresh the page to view the latest progress.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you experience difficulties copying course materials, locating an existing Canvas course, or completing the import process, submit a support request through the Canvas Support service.
Canvas Support →