The Only available to students with link option

[trinidad3]

I don't know how the files were set to the Only available to students with link option. I tried to change the status of the file to published but it's not letting me. What do I do?

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @trinidad3,

In that case, I'd recommend ensuring your operating system and web browser are both up to date.  You could also, if possible, try a different web browser (chrome, firefox, or edge would be good options).  If none of that works, I'd recommend contacting Canvas support to report the behavior and see if they have any additional advice.

-Chris

[chriscas]

Hi @trinidad3,

Are you the teacher of the course, or do you have a different role, like TA or similar?  I'm wondering if you perhaps don't have the right permissions to change the file visibility, which would be more likely with non-teacher roles.  In case that's not the issue, can you tell us if you receive an error when trying to change the file visibility, or are you able to select published, but when you refresh the page, that new status doesn't stay?  The more info you can give the better for us to figure out what may be happening.

-Chris

[trinidad3]

Thanks. I am the Professor of the course. I am able to select published, but when I refresh the page, that new status doesn't stay. Best. 

[chriscas · Accepted solution]

Hi @trinidad3,

In that case, I'd recommend ensuring your operating system and web browser are both up to date.  You could also, if possible, try a different web browser (chrome, firefox, or edge would be good options).  If none of that works, I'd recommend contacting Canvas support to report the behavior and see if they have any additional advice.

-Chris

[KimFortman]

I am having the same problem. I've tried in Chrome and Edge, but my pictures won't post. In student view it either shows that they don't have access or there is a lock image where the photo should be. 

[paul_fynn]

This sounds familiar and may be the result of relatively recent changes in Canvas configuration around permissions (remember when granular module block publication came in ?).

From memory this may well relate to the image permissions within the file storage area. It seems these don't want to be overridden and may need to be reset to allow permissions to be changed where the image appears.

The quicker answer might be that the images are located in an alternate course to which your students don't have access .... ?

[sbarry2]

I had a similar experience today. I added a PDF to a module and it wouldn't let me Publish the file. It kept reverting back "Only allow download with link." I discovered the folder in the files section it was stored in was set to the Only available to students with link option. Double check your files/folder permissions. 

[andrew_katz17]

I have the same problem for the first time tonight.

My files folder is intentionally not published.  I never had a problem exposing specific files in Modules before

[andrew_katz17 · Accepted solution]

just chatted with canvas help

somehow permissions to upload media folder got set to this "only visible to students with link"

one has to to publish the uploaded media folder

[chrisream]

If anyone else has this particular caveat: If the image was imported in a module, you have to make sure the module is set to Publish, even if you do the folder/file fixes above. Grateful that the previous posters shared their info. Thanks, all!