Canvas: How to Export and Download a Canvas Course

Summary

Learn how to export a Canvas course, create an export file, and download course content for backup or transfer purposes. Includes instructions for monitoring the export process and understanding considerations when importing content into another system.

Body

Exporting a Canvas Course

NC A&T State University | Canvas Faculty Guide

Overview

Canvas allows faculty to export course content into a downloadable file. Course exports may be used for backup or transfer purposes.

The Export Course Content feature creates a file containing exportable course materials. Once Canvas finishes processing the export, the file can be downloaded for future use.

Before You Begin

Open the Canvas course containing the instructional materials you want to export.

Tip: Consider why you are exporting the course, such as retaining a backup of course materials or preparing content for transfer.

How to Export a Canvas Course

  1. Open the Canvas course you want to export.
  2. From the course navigation menu, click Settings.
  3. Select Export Course Content.
  4. Choose the appropriate export type, if prompted.
  5. Click Create Export to begin generating the export file.
  6. Wait for Canvas to finish processing the export. The time required may vary depending on the course content.
  7. When the export becomes available, click New Export to download the file.

Understanding the Course Export Process

The following table explains the main actions involved in exporting course content.

Action Description What to Expect
Export Course Content Opens the course export feature within Canvas. Access to the available course export options.
Export Type Determines the type of export being created, when options are provided. Select the option appropriate for your intended export.
Create Export Starts the process of generating the course export file. Canvas begins processing the export.
Processing Canvas prepares the downloadable export file. Wait for the export to finish before downloading.
New Export Provides access to the completed export file for download. Download and retain the file as needed.

Using Exported Course Files

Exported Canvas course files may be useful when retaining instructional materials or transferring course content to another supported environment.

  • Backup: Retain an export file as a copy of exportable course materials.
  • Course Transfer: Use the export file when transferring supported content to another course or learning environment.
  • Content Review: Review imported materials to ensure that they display and function as expected.

Important: Review Imported Content

Export files may be used for backup or transfer purposes. However, some course content and integrations may require additional review when imported into another system.

An export file should not be assumed to contain every type of course information or to reproduce all integrated tools exactly as they appeared in the original course.

Need Additional Assistance?

If you need assistance exporting a Canvas course, downloading an export file, or reviewing transferred course content, submit a support request through the Canvas Support service.

Canvas Support →

North Carolina A&T State University | Information Technology Services | Instructional Technology & Training Development (ITTD)

Details

Details

Article ID: 20311
Created
Mon 10/12/26 4:28 PM
Modified
Fri 11/6/26 1:37 PM
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