Canvas has recently debuted a new interface in the Files section of course sites. This interface is more intuitive and makes it easier for you to carry out commonly used functions when managing your course files.
When you click on the Files tab, you will no longer see a folder tree. Instead, you will be taken to a landing page that displays your folders, followed by files not located in a specific folder. (Note that a button is temporarily available to allow you to switch back to the old Files view, if you wish to compare the two views.)
Unlike the old Files view, this view supports sorting by column headers. You can sort your folders and files by Name, Created, Last Modified, Modified by, or Size.
When you choose an item and select Edit Permissions (found under the column of three dots at the upper right), a separate dialog box will now open. This makes the permission management process clearer.
Also new in this interface is the capacity to bulk manage certain functions, such as downloading, deletion, moving, and permission editing. To manage multiple files or folders at once, simply check the boxes next to them. You can also click the checkbox at the top to select all files and folders. Then, click the appropriate icon at the upper right.
You can also drag and drop files and folders, as in the previous Files interface.
For those who wish to use keyboard shortcuts, the new interface supports the following functions.
| Function | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Select Individual Rows | Ctrl+Click | Cmd+Click |
| Select Range of Rows | Shift+Click | Shift+Click |
| Select All Rows | Ctrl+A | Cmd+A |
| Deselect All Rows | Ctrl+Shift+A | Cmd+Shift+A |
If you want to learn more, you can watch this 12-minute video from Instructure (begins at 25 seconds in).
If you have questions about the new Canvas interface, or about any topic concerning teaching with technology, please feel free to contact us, drop by our virtual office hours, or book a consultation with an instructional designer.
