Getting your Canvas course data onto your computer
Canvas stores your course materials, grades, and assignments in the cloud, but you can download copies to keep on your own computer. The process depends on what you want to save — a single assignment, all files from one course, or your grade report — and Canvas gives you different tools for each.
The most straightforward route is to download files one at a time from the Files section of each course. If you want everything at once, Canvas has an export feature that packages your entire course into a single file. You can also download your grades as a spreadsheet, which is useful if you want to track your performance across multiple courses or semesters.
Key Takeaways
- Individual files can be downloaded directly from the Files section of any Canvas course by clicking the file and selecting Download.
- To save all course materials at once, use the course export feature in Settings, which creates a downloadable package of everything in that course.
- Your grades can be downloaded as a CSV file from the Grades section, which opens in Excel or any spreadsheet program.
- Downloaded course exports are useful backups, but they cannot be re-imported into Canvas — they are for your records only.
Downloading individual files from a Canvas course
Open the course where you want to download files. On the left navigation menu, click Files. You will see folders and individual files listed. Click on any file you want to save, and a preview or details page will open. Look for the Download button — it is usually in the top right corner or in a menu next to the file name. Click it, and the file will download to your computer's default download folder.
If the file is inside a folder, you can download the entire folder at once. Right-click on the folder name (or click the three-dot menu next to it) and select Download. Canvas will create a compressed ZIP file containing everything in that folder. Once it finishes downloading, you can unzip it on your computer to see all the files inside.
This method works well if you only need a few specific files or want to organize them yourself as you download. It does not require any special permissions — you can download anything your instructor has made visible to you in the course.
Exporting an entire Canvas course to your computer
To save everything from a course at once, use Canvas's course export feature. Go to the course you want to export. Click the Settings link on the left navigation menu. Scroll down until you see Export Course Content. Click the button labeled Export Course.
Canvas will ask you to choose what to include. You can select all course content, or uncheck items you do not need — for example, you might skip discussion posts if you only want the syllabus and assignments. Once you confirm your choices, Canvas begins packaging everything into a file. This can take several minutes for a large course.
When the export is ready, Canvas will show a download link. Click it to save the file to your computer. The file will be a compressed package (usually a ZIP or IMS file) containing all your course materials organized in folders. You can unzip it and browse the contents on your computer anytime, even after the course ends or you lose access to Canvas.
Keep in mind that exported courses cannot be uploaded back into Canvas. These exports are meant for your personal records, not for transferring the course to another learning platform.
Downloading your grades as a spreadsheet
Click Grades in the left navigation menu of any course. At the top right of the page, look for a download icon or a menu button (often three dots or lines). Click it and select Download Grades or Export Grades. Canvas will download a CSV file — a spreadsheet format that opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet program.
The CSV file shows all your assignments, the points you earned, the total points possible, and your overall grade in that course. You can open it, sort it, or add your own notes. This is especially useful if you want to track your grades across multiple courses or semesters without logging into Canvas each time.
Downloading assignments and submissions you have completed
To save a specific assignment you submitted, go to the course and click Assignments. Find the assignment and click on it. You will see your submission and any feedback from your instructor. If you submitted a file, a Download button will appear next to your submission. Click it to save your work to your computer.
If you submitted text directly in Canvas rather than uploading a file, you can copy and paste the text into a document on your computer, or take a screenshot. Canvas does not offer a direct download for text submissions, but you can always access them by logging back in.
What to do if the export or download fails
If a download stalls or does not complete, try again in a different web browser. Sometimes Canvas has temporary issues with one browser but works fine in another. Clear your browser cache (the stored data that speeds up loading) and try once more.
For large course exports, the process can take 10 to 15 minutes or longer. Do not close the browser tab or your computer during the export. If you need to step away, start the export and come back to check on it later — Canvas will keep working in the background.
If you consistently cannot export a course, contact your school's Canvas support team or IT help desk. They can troubleshoot technical issues or export the course for you if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a course after the semester ends or I unenroll?
It depends on your school's settings. Some institutions keep courses visible for a period after the semester ends, while others archive them immediately. If you lose access, contact your instructor or IT department — they may be able to provide you with course materials or re-grant access temporarily so you can download what you need.
Will downloading a file from Canvas remove it from the course?
No. Downloading creates a copy on your computer. The original file stays in Canvas, and your instructor can still see it. Downloading does not affect the course or anyone else's access to the materials.
What format will my exported course be in?
Canvas exports courses as either a ZIP file or an IMS (Instructional Management System) file. Both are compressed packages you can unzip on your computer. The IMS format is a standard used by many learning platforms, but you cannot re-import it into Canvas — it is for archival and viewing only.
Can I download grades from multiple courses at once?
No. You must download grades one course at a time. However, you can download them all and paste them into a single spreadsheet to compare your performance across courses.
Is there a limit to how much I can download?
Canvas does not set a hard limit on downloads, but very large exports (courses with thousands of files or years of content) may take longer to process. If you hit a technical limit, try exporting just one semester or section of the course at a time.