[ARCHIVED] Stopping Preview of Some or All Files

[debjanic]

Is there a way I can control which documents have a "preview" feature and which don't? For instance, it can be helpful when pdfs open directly in the browser. However, I have Power Point Shows (.ppsx) in my modules. These .ppsx files link directly to the modules; in other words, .ppsx files are uploaded under "files" and linked to the modules. When students click on them, it shows a preview, and that is a problem. The embedded voice files cannot be heard. I have requested students to download the files multiple times but some students remain confused since they can see the content of the lecture and are reluctant to download the actual file (they do have access to free MS Office products through school). 
Thus the preview feature is misleading students to think that what they see is the full content, but it is not because the inserted voice files in the original .ppsx won't play on Canvas. How can I turn off the preview for Power Points? TIA!

[jerry_nguyen]

@debjanic 

A workaround is to upload the document to "Files" then copy its link then use that link on your page.

Or a quicker way is to edit the HTML (Click the </> icon to view the code) as follow:

1. In the "class=" element, remove instructure_file_link instructure_scribd_file
2. Change the ending of the link in "href=" from /files/[filenumber]?wrap=1 to /files/[filenumber]/download
3. Remove target="_blank"

The result will look like this

[debjanic]

Thank you, Jerry! I'll try these. I wish Canvas would allow us to control the preview feature too, though.

[jerry_nguyen]

@debjanic 

Yes that would be a great option to have. Perhaps, you could post an idea in this link so Canvas would consider it https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Idea-Conversations/idb-p/ideas

[debjanic]

Done! Thank you so much!