How do I share a document, image, video, or audio file to Commons?

[#1]

Learn how to share files in Canvas to Commons. Learn more about supported file types in Commons.

Resources should be complete before they are shared. To modify an existing shared resource, learn how to update a resource previously shared to Commons.

Notes:

• To enable Commons in your Canvas instance, please contact your Customer Success Manager.
• Commons is available in all Free for Teacher (FFT) accounts. Free for Teacher users are limited to finding, importing, and sharing public resources.
• The file size limit for uploaded content is 500 MB.
• Resources shared through Commons retain the published/unpublished status of the items when they were originally shared. If you share a published resource, when others import that resource, it will be published in their courses.

Open Course

In Global Navigation, click the Courses link [1], then click the name of the course you want to share the file from [2].

Open Files

In Course Navigation, click the Files link.

Share File

To share a document [1], audio [2], image [3], or video [4] file, click the Options icon [5] then click the Share to Commons link [6].

Note: Content shared through Commons retains the published/unpublished status of the item when it was originally shared. If you share a published resource, when others import that resource, it will be published in their course.

Choose Sharing Option

Select a sharing sharing option.

Note: Depending on the account settings set by your Canvas admin, you may be unable to view and/or share public content. Authors of publicly shared resources will always be able to view their resource.

Choose Content License

From the Copyright and Licenses drop-down menu, select your content license.

To add additional information about licensing or usage, click the Add Additional Information link.

Add Metadata

Enter resource metadata and add a thumbnail image.

Note: For image and video file types, a thumbnail is created automatically. Thus, the option to select a thumbnail is not available.

Add Grade/Level

Select the appropriate grade level(s) using the sliders or dropdown menus.

Share to Commons

When you're done, click the Share button.

View Shared Resource

View your shared resource. It may take up to 30 minutes to process a resource. Resource previews are not available while the resource is processing.

Notes:

• The file type will automatically display in the resource details.
• Duration will display for video and audio file types.