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How to Submit an Assignment

  • Updated

Assignments in Canvas may require you to upload a file, enter text, record media, or complete another submission type specified by your instructor. This article explains how to submit an assignment using the most common submission types.

 

1. Open the assignment

Navigate to your course and click the name of the assignment you want to submit.

Figure 1. Opening an assignment in Canvas.
Figure-1.png

 

2. Start the assignment

Click Start Assignment.

Figure 2. Starting an assignment submission.
Figure-2.png

 

3. Select Submission Type

Your instructor will decide what kinds of submissions are appropriate for each Assignment. There are four submission types: upload a file, submit a text entry, enter a website URL, or submit media. You can only select one submission type per submission.

Figure 3. Selecting the Submission Type.

Figure-7.png

 

4. Submit a File Upload

  • To upload a file from your computer select the File Upload tab.
  • Click Upload File and locate the file on your computer.
  • After selecting the file, click Choose or Browse (depending on your browser).
    • If you have previously uploaded a file to Canvas, you may be able to select it by clicking Click here to find a file.

Figure 4. Selecting the File Upload submission type.

Figure-3.png

 

4.a. Add additional files (optional)

If your instructor allows multiple file uploads, click Add Another File to attach additional files to your submission.

Note: Additional files can only be uploaded from your computer.

Figure 5. Adding an additional file to your submission.
Figure-4.png
 

5. Submit a Text Entry

To submit a text entry assignment, select the Text Entry tab.

Note: The assignment submission Rich Content Editor includes a word count display below the bottom right corner of the text box.

Figure 6. Selecting the Text Entry submission type.

Figure-8.png

 

6. Submit Website URL

To submit a website URL, select the Website URL tab.

Figure 7. Selecting the Website URL submission type.

Figure-9.png

 

7. Submit Media Recording

To submit a media recording, select the Media tab.

Figure 8. Selecting the Media submission type.

Figure-10.png

 

8. Submit the assignment

After confirming that all required files have been attached, click Submit Assignment.

Figure 9. Submitting the assignment.


Figure-5.png

 

9. Verify your submission

After submitting, Canvas will display a confirmation message and details about your submission (1). For file uploads, the sidebar provides a link to your submission to download if necessary.

Review the submission information to verify that your assignment was uploaded successfully.

If your instructor allows, you may resubmit another version of your assignment using the New Attempt button (2). You can view the details of your most recent submission in the Sidebar, but your instructor can see all of your submissions.

Figure 10. Assignment submission confirmation.

Figure-6.png

 

Troubleshooting Tips

If you experience problems submitting an assignment:

  • Verify that you selected the correct file before submitting.
  • Confirm that your file type is accepted by the assignment.
  • Refresh the page and try uploading the file again.
  • Check your internet connection.
  • If the assignment deadline is approaching, contact your instructor immediately and explain the issue.

Need More Help?

For additional information, refer to the Canvas resource: How do I submit an online assignment?

If you continue to experience technical difficulties, Submit a Help Request to UC San Diego Extended Studies Online Learning Support.

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