Embedding a document on a Canvas page allows students to view course materials without leaving the page or downloading a file. This can improve the student experience and make important content easier to access.
This article explains how to embed a PDF or Word document (DOCX) on a Canvas page and customize how the document is displayed to students.
Article Contents
Embed a Document on a Canvas Page
1. Open the page and enter Edit mode.
Navigate to the Canvas page where you want to embed the document and click Edit.
Figure 1. Opening a Canvas page in Edit mode.
2. Open the Document tool.
In the Rich Content Editor toolbar, click the Document icon.
Figure 2. Selecting the Document tool from the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
Note: If you do not see the Document icon, click the Options menu (three dots) to reveal additional toolbar tools.
Figure 3. Clicking the Options menu from the Rich Content Editor toolbar.
3. Upload your document.
Click the Upload Document (rocket) icon, select a file from your computer, and then click Submit.
Figure 4. Uploading a document from your computer.
4. Configure the document display settings.
After the document has been inserted, click the document link and select Link Options to choose how the document will be displayed to students.
Figure 5. Opening Link Options for an embedded document.
Configure Document Display Settings
Canvas provides three display options for embedded documents.
Figure 6. Available document display settings in Link Options.
1. Disable Preview
Displays the document as a downloadable link.
Best for:
- Files students need to download and edit
- Large documents that do not need to be viewed directly in Canvas
2. Preview in Overlay
Displays the document in a pop-up viewer when students click the link.
Best for:
- Documents students may want to review quickly
- Keeping the page uncluttered while still allowing students to preview the file
Figure 7. Example of a document displayed in an overlay viewer.
3. Preview Inline
Displays the document directly on the Canvas page.
Best for:
- Course readings
- Instructions
- Reference materials that students should view without leaving the page
To display the document automatically when the page loads, select Expand Preview by Default.
Figure 8. Example of a document displayed inline on a Canvas page.
Accessibility Tip
Before uploading a PDF or Word document, ensure the document is accessible by using:
- Heading styles to organize content
- Descriptive link text
- Alternative text for images
- Sufficient color contrast
Creating accessible documents helps ensure all students can effectively access and engage with course materials.
For more information on how to create accessible PDFs and DOCX files, please reference our help article: Meeting Accessibility Requirements in your Canvas Course (Instructors)
Recommendation
For most course materials, Preview Inline with Expand Preview by Default provides the best student experience because students can view the document directly within the page without additional clicks or downloads.