Users can edit permissions for files, including setting the state of the file (published or unpublished), restrict file access to students who have the link, or schedule availability dates for the files.
When the Only available to students with link option is set, the file can only be viewed if students are given the link to the file. This option only hides files from students in Course Files. This functionality is not valid outside of the Files feature. For instance, if a file with a student visibility restriction is added to a Module or Assignment, the file can always be viewed by students. Course users who have enabled the Files notification preference will still receive a notification when a file is added to the course if the Only available to students with link option is selected.
When the student availability date restriction is set, students cannot view the file in Course Files outside of the restriction dates. If the file is linked in another area of Canvas (such as Modules or Assignments), students will be able to see the name of the file, but if they click the file, they will see a message stating that the file has been locked and cannot be viewed until the specified date. Course users who have enabled the Files notification preference will not receive a notification when a file is added to a course if the student availability date restriction is selected.
Note: You can also restrict a file or folder as part of setting usage rights for files or setting usage rights for folders.