How do I get an assignment that is linked to Canvas 'files' to open, instead of download?

[scott_hogan]

I am new to Canvas.  I loaded tons of PDFs into the files on Canvas and linked them to my pages.  Now I can't get them to open directly, they download instead.  This will not work for my students.  Any fixes?

[Chris_Hofer]

Hello there, @scott_hogan ...

Sorry to see that your question has been sitting out here for such a long time without a response.  The short answer to your question is, yes, you can configure things so that your linked files open automatically for your students on content pages within your course.

If your school is using the current Rich Content Editor (RCE), you can follow the directions outlined in this Guide: How do I set the auto-open for inline preview for ... - Canvas Community.

However, you may have heard that all Canvas schools will be getting the New RCE on Saturday, January 16, 2021.  So, the direction will change slightly.  You'll want to follow the information in this Guide: How do I embed documents from Canvas in the New Ri... - Canvas Community.  Specifically, you'll want to review the section near the bottom of that Guide called "View Link Options" which describes how to display a file "in-line" automatically.

I hope these resources will be of some help to you, Scott.  Sing out if you have any other questions...thanks!  Take care, stay safe, and be well.