[this may take ~5–10 minutes]

It is often useful to build a Sandbox course that can be your 'template' for future courses. Then, with each new term or course, you can import content from the Sandbox template into your active courses with each new term.

Some teachers prefer to simply import from a course they used in a previous term, rather than a Sandbox course, which can also work.

Always Remove Dates from Assignments when Importing!

Teachers do not have permission to change dates on assignments in closed grading periods, so you want to make sure to remove dates when importing assignments.

How to Import Content from a Sandbox or Previous Course

Open the new course that you want to import content into. On the right, choose Import Existing Content in the sidebar.

Select Import Existing Content

Choose Copy a Canvas Course from the Content Type menu at the top.

Import Content Options

Search for and select the desired Course to import from. This can be published or unpublished courses (such as your Sandbox course), or completed courses (if the Include completed courses checkbox is selected).

Choose whether you want All Content or you prefer to Select Specific Content.

IMPORTANT —

Select Adjust events and due dates.

Choose Remove dates from the Date Adjustment options.

You can also choose to import only some specific types of content, rather than importing everything. Instead of All content, choose Select Specific Content.

Make sure to choose Adjust events and due dates and Remove dates!

Import Specific Content

Next, you will see a Select Content dialog box allowing you to choose the type(s) of content to import.

Select Content to Import

Make your selection(s), then click Select Content.

Import Job Status

The status of the import will appear, showing that is Queued, then Running, then Complete. If there are issues encountered during the import, a link will be displayed allowing you to review the issues.

Canvas Import Jobs Status

Review Course Content to Confirm

Immediately after import, confirm that due dates have not been imported on the assignments. If dates had been imported by mistake, repeat the process and be careful to select the Remove Dates option to re-import the assignments without dates and replace those with the dates.

Note: Importing the same course content more than once will overwrite any existing content in the course.