Overview
Canvas allows instructors to create assignments that communicate expectations, provide instructions, establish point values, and collect student work.
When creating an assignment, faculty can use the Rich Content Editor to provide instructions, select a submission type, and configure due dates and availability dates. Assignments can be saved or published when they are ready for students.
Before You Begin
Open the Canvas course where you want to create an assignment. Prepare the assignment name, instructions, point value, and any dates or submission requirements you plan to use.
Tip: Having your assignment instructions and grading expectations ready before you begin can help make the setup process easier.
How to Create an Assignment in Canvas
- Open the Canvas course where you want to create the assignment.
- From the course navigation menu, click Assignments.
- Click + Assignment to create a new assignment.
- Enter the assignment name. Choose a title that clearly identifies the assignment for students.
- Use the Rich Content Editor to add assignment instructions. Include the information students need to understand and complete the assignment.
- Enter the point value for the assignment.
- Select the appropriate assignment submission type. This setting determines how students are expected to submit their work.
- Set the due date and availability dates, if needed.
- When finished, choose one of the following options:
- Save: Saves the assignment without publishing it.
- Save & Publish: Saves and publishes the assignment, subject to course and assignment availability settings.
Understanding Assignment Settings
The following settings help determine how an assignment is presented to students and how they complete their work.
| Setting |
Description |
What to Review |
| Assignment Name |
Identifies the assignment within the Canvas course. |
Use a clear, descriptive title. |
| Instructions |
Provides directions and expectations using the Rich Content Editor. |
Confirm instructions are complete and understandable. |
| Point Value |
Specifies the number of points assigned to the work. |
Confirm the points match your grading expectations. |
| Submission Type |
Determines how students submit or complete the assignment. |
Select the method that matches the assignment requirements. |
| Due Date |
Indicates when the assignment is due. |
Confirm the correct date and time. |
| Availability Dates |
Establishes the period during which students can access or submit the assignment, depending on the configured settings. |
Verify the intended availability window. |
| Save / Save & Publish |
Determines whether the assignment remains unpublished or is published. |
Publish when the assignment is ready for students. |
Reviewing Due Dates and Availability Dates
When configuring an assignment, review the due date and availability dates to make sure they match the intended assignment schedule.
- Due Date: Communicates the assignment deadline.
- Availability Dates: Control the period during which students may submit the assignment.
- Publishing: Makes the assignment available according to the applicable course and assignment settings.
Tip: A due date and an availability end date serve different purposes. Review both settings when determining when students should submit work.
Best Practices for Creating Assignments
- Use clear assignment names: Choose titles that help students identify the assigned work.
- Provide complete instructions: Explain what students need to complete and submit.
- Confirm point values: Ensure the assignment is worth the intended number of points.
- Verify submission settings: Make sure the selected submission type matches the assignment.
- Review dates: Confirm due dates and availability dates before publishing.
Important: Review Before Publishing
Review assignment settings carefully before publishing so students receive the correct instructions, dates, and submission options.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you need assistance creating assignments, selecting submission types, adjusting due dates, or publishing assignments in Canvas, submit a support request through the Canvas Support service.
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