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Did you know whenever you link to a readable document - such as a file, .pdf, or .docx - in a Canvas page, assignment, or discussion, that you can embed that document as a full-screen preview automatically?
Embed document files within a Canvas page to make viewing and accessing it easier for your students with fewer clicks. Embedded files can be easier to access for students using Canvas Mobile. (Students will still have the option to download the file if they prefer.)
You can use this technique for readings, assignment instructions, your syllabus, and more.
How to Create an Inline Document Preview
- Go to the Canvas page or element you want to add the document into.
- Edit the page and, with your cursor, select where you want the document to go.
- Click “Insert” and select Document.
- Choose the document you wish to upload and click Submit. When the document has uploaded, you will see the document title become a blue, underlined link in the Rich Content Editor.
- Click on the file name and choose the “Link Options.”
- The link options toolbar will expand to the right.
Link Options
- Selecting “Disable Preview” disables users from seeing a file preview.
- “Preview in overlay” allows users to view a file preview in a pop-up window when they click the link.
- “Preview inline” allows users to view an in-line preview when the link is clicked.
- “Expand preview by default” will cause the preview to automatically be expanded so students will see your document whenever they visit the element it is embedded in.
To make your document automatically readable inline, select “Preview Inline” from the options, and then select “Expand Preview by Default” so students will always see the document open.
- Click “Done” and save your changes.
Additional Resources:
How do I embed documents from Canvas in the Rich Content Editor?Links to an external site.