All files have same date upon import

[joannal_lau]

Hi everyone, 

When I import a Blackboard Archive zip file into a Canvas course, the files all end up having the same creation date. Is there a way to keep the date of the actual creation to keep some order? 

Many thanks!

[ericwerth · Accepted solution]

Hi  @joannal_lau .  This is a good question.  I couldn't find anything written on it specifically, but am pretty sure that the creation date will always show when it was added to Canvas and that there isn't a way to bring over the creation date from the files themselves.  After uploading files, you can rename them, though, if doing so would help with organization.  This option is found using the menu (3 dots) next to a particular file.  If someone else has found a way to keep the date of file creation when one is uploaded, I would love to hear it as well! 

[sigh]

I have found this with Moodle as well.  I'm tasked with reviewing old files, reconciling them, and then compiling the latest versions.  

Sadly, for my doc or docx files, I need to individually go into MS Word and check properties.  For example, one file had a creation date of April 14, 2014 and an update date of June 5, 2014, and I do NOT want to bother to include something last modified 8 years ago.

The best I can do with my not recent knowledge of VBA is add a header with the old created and last updated dates.

[stuart_ryan]

Hi  @joannal_lau ,

I have had a look at the API documents to see if there are any documented means to do this, unfortunately, when looking at the file upload API calls Uploading Files - Canvas LMS REST API Documentation, there are no means to set (or change) file creation dates, so unfortunately, I think ericwerth is on the mark with this one!

Hope that helps to clarify!

Stuart

[joannal_lau]

Hi Eric and Stuart,

Thanks for your replies and looking into it for me! It makes sense that the creation date is when the files were created in Canvas, just thought there could be something else, which you have confirmed there is not. 

Much appreciated.

Best,

Joanna.