How do I import a Canvas course from a zip file?

Importing a Canvas course from a zip file, typically an IMS Common Cartridge (.imscc) export package, is a straightforward process that allows you to bring existing course content into a new or different Canvas course shell. This is a common method for duplicating courses, sharing content, or restoring a course backup.

Prerequisites for Importing

Before you begin the import process, ensure you have the following:

Course Export Package: The .zip file containing your Canvas course export. This file is often named with a .imscc extension but is fundamentally a zip archive.
Target Canvas Course: An empty or existing Canvas course shell where you want to import the content. You must have instructor or administrator access to this course.

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing a Canvas Course

The import process is initiated from within the target course settings and involves selecting the export package and configuring import options.

Accessing Import Options

Open Course Settings: Navigate to the Canvas course where you want to import the content. In the course navigation menu, click on Settings.
Import Content: On the settings page, locate and click the Import Course Content button, usually found on the right-hand sidebar.

Selecting Content Type and File

Choose Content Type: From the "Content Type" dropdown menu, select Canvas Course Export Package. This option is specifically designed for the .zip or .imscc files created by Canvas exports.
Choose File: Click the Choose File button to browse your computer and locate the .zip or .imscc file you wish to import.
Open File: Select the desired export package file and click Open (or your operating system's equivalent) to upload it to Canvas.

Configuring Import Settings

After selecting the file, you will be presented with options to define what content gets imported and how dates are handled.

Select Migration Content:
- All Content: This is the default and most common option, importing everything from the export package into your current course.
- Select Specific Content: If you only need certain parts of the course (e.g., only assignments, pages, or quizzes), choose this option. After starting the import, Canvas will prompt you to select the individual items or content types you wish to import. This is useful for merging courses or avoiding unnecessary clutter.
Bulk Migrate Existing Quizzes as New Quizzes (Optional):
- This option is crucial if your imported course contains classic Canvas quizzes. Checking this box will automatically convert those classic quizzes into the "New Quizzes" format during the import process. This helps modernize your assessments and leverage the updated features of New Quizzes. If left unchecked, classic quizzes will import as classic quizzes.
Adjust Events and Due Dates (Optional but Recommended):
- This feature allows you to shift or remove dates from the imported content, making it suitable for a new term or academic year.
- Shift Dates: Select this option to specify a "beginning date" and "ending date" for the original course, and then provide corresponding "new beginning date" and "new ending date" for the imported content. Canvas will intelligently shift all assignments, quizzes, and calendar events proportionally.
- Remove Dates: If you prefer to manually set all dates after import, select this option to clear all existing dates from the imported content.

Once you have configured these settings, click the Import button to begin the process.

Monitoring the Import Process

After clicking "Import," Canvas will add your request to a queue. The progress of the import will be displayed on the "Import Course Content" page, showing its current status (e.g., "Queued," "Running," "Completed," or "Failed").

Running: Indicates the import is in progress.
Completed: The import has finished successfully.
Completed with Issues/Failed: Check the provided link for details on any errors or content that failed to import.

Depending on the size of the course and server load, the import process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. You can navigate away from the page and return later to check the status.

Important Considerations After Importing

After the import is complete, it's essential to perform a few checks to ensure everything is as expected:

Verify Content: Browse through your course modules, pages, assignments, and quizzes to ensure all expected content has been imported correctly.
Review Dates: If you used the "Adjust Events and Due Dates" option, double-check that all assignment due dates, availability dates, and calendar events are set correctly for your new term.
Quiz Functionality: If you migrated classic quizzes to New Quizzes, test them to ensure they function as intended.
Broken Links: Occasionally, internal links or embedded content might break if the original course used specific file paths or external resources that are no longer accessible. Review your course for any broken links and update them as needed.

By following these steps, you can efficiently import your Canvas course content from a zip file, streamlining course setup and content reuse. For more detailed instructions and troubleshooting, refer to the official Canvas Instructor Guides.