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Canvas Text Box Entry limitations

Question asked by Catalina Pacheco on Oct 25, 2018
Latest reply on Nov 8, 2018 by Kristin Lundstrum

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For our class project assignments
we must turn in our project assignment via text entry submission only (instead of a document file attachment upload.).

The only attachment allowed on this text box entry is ( image file or video file for comments)
My problem is the text entry field has a field limitation so when I copy and paste my entire word document , all my original fonts and formatting are changed, my text at the bottom half of document gets cut off.

What is the character limit for the text box entry? How can I work around this character limiting /formatting issue?

In citations italicized text and formatting are necessary and I need to post my entire document to (text box entry) unchanged.

I had emailed the full document to my instructor

(who wanted it only submitted via text box entry)

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Erin Wadsworth-Anderson Oct 25, 2018 10:40 AM
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Catalina Pacheco I found this question from 2016 that states that the text entry box is limited to 16384 characters. Here is a quick guide about How do I submit a text entry assignment? The text entry box will not keep the formatting of the document you copied and pasted your work from. So, it will show up just as text - with no formatting.
I suggest pasting in your work and then formatting as best you can using the text editor in the text entry box (bold and italics should be there for your use).
Your instructor may not know the benefits of allowing students to upload a Word or PDF file. SpeedGrader (What is SpeedGrader? ) is a powerful tool that allows instructors to comment, highlight and mark up documents submitted. Hopefully, in the future, you will be allowed to just upload your document complete with your formatting.
I hope this helps.
Erin
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- Catalina Pacheco @ Erin Wadsworth-Anderson on Oct 25, 2018 9:51 PM
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  Thank you too Erin for your suggestion, is there a work around to get all my text to fit? Not all text boxes are created equal.
  
  On Canvas there seem to be 2.different types of text entry boxes.
  1) One big wide text box with a text formatting tool row (like the ones used in discussion forums) where you can have a lot of text input, attach images, hyperlinks, and can format the font. And your able to see your submission after you submit it.
  
  2) Its the other type of text entry that's giving me problems. The text "box" with just (a single line field to type in) which you cannot format at all. This is the type that is cutting off my text.
  It looks very different and you cannot see the text after you've hit submit.
  
  I wanted to attach an image to show you the text box but the paperclip attachment icon is being finnicky and won't attach it.
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Stefanie Sanders Oct 25, 2018 11:00 AM
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Catalina Pacheco(please accept this somewhat belated) Welcome to the Canvas Community! As you've discovered, attempting to copy-and-paste a Word document into the Canvas text entry box, or for that matter most any text entry box, brings with it a host of problems because of Word's proprietary and most likely incompatible code. This won't resolve the character entry limitation, but might help with formatting: I recently discovered this Word Document to HTML Online Converter that might make your formatting task on the Canvas side a bit easier.
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- Catalina Pacheco @ Stefanie Sanders on Oct 25, 2018 9:31 PM
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  Thank you Stefanie for your suggestion.
  On Canvas there seem to be 2.different types of text entry boxes.
  1) One big wide text box with a text formatting row (like the ones used in discussion forums) where you can have a lot of text input, attach images, hyperlinks, and format the font.
  2) Its the other type of text entry that's giving me problems. The text "box" with just (a single line field to type in) which you cannot format at all. This is the type that is cutting off my text.
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  - Stefanie Sanders @ Catalina Pacheco on Oct 26, 2018 7:23 AM
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    Catalina, Erin and I are referring to the text entry screen depicted in How do I submit a text entry assignment? which allows formatting. If your instructor has set the assignment such that only uploads of image files or video submissions are allowed, this isn't a text entry assignment, and it's doubtful that the instructor wants students to type their submissions into the field that only has a single line viewable (I'm guessing that's the "Comments..." field that appears in the screenshot?).
    
    Your best next course of action would be to contact your instructor directly for additional guidance.
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    - Catalina Pacheco @ Stefanie Sanders on Oct 26, 2018 6:10 PM
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      It is a text entry submission box
      The only real problem is the text limitation.
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      Text entry single line.png71.4 KB
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      - Stefanie Sanders @ Catalina Pacheco on Oct 29, 2018 9:04 AM
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        Aha, Catalina, this screenshot is very helpful: it appears that you're submitting through the Canvas Student App. The very near-term solution would be to launch the assignment page in a browser, where this limitation (presumably) would not be a hindrance. We've also asked our mobile gurus to have a look at your question to see how they might be able to help.
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      - Kristin Lundstrum @ Catalina Pacheco on Nov 8, 2018 10:33 AM
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        Hi Catalina - I'm sorry that you're frustrated! I definitely feel that the small box is limiting. Stefanie's suggestion would be great for now. However, know that the mobile team at Instructure is aware of the situation and is looking at ways the overall submission workflow can be improved!
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