There are many methods to add content from other courses into your new template. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, outlined below, to help you choose the best option based on your content, workflow, and comfort level with Canvas/technology. The video above demonstrates all three copying methods and shares useful tips, along with important next steps for each option.

Pro-tip: Open your old quarter course and your new semester course side-by-side in two browser windows or tabs to make copying content easier.

Copy/Paste

You can highlight content in your old course, right-click and select Copy, then right-click and select Paste in your new course. You may also use keyboard shortcuts: CTRL+C / CTRL+V (Windows) or CMD+C / CMD+V (Mac).

Best for: formatted text or Integrating text into the new template's style and structure.
Limitations: Pages with many Canvas links, images, files, embedded videos can be difficult to copy. Embedded content must usually be reinserted in the new course to work properly. See Text Editor Tips & Tricks for more on how to do this.

"Copy To"

From the three-dot (More) menu at the top of, or next to, a Canvas item, select Copy To, then search for and select your new semester course.

Best for:
- Copying individual Canvas items as a whole
- Modules, assignments, discussion boards, pages, "New Quizzes"
- Content with links, images, files, or embedded video (these copy over correctly).
Advantages: Makes it easy to place items directly into a specific place in the module structure of the new semester course.
Limitations: Imported content will not automatically match the visual style or formatting of the new template. Additional styling may be needed to maintain a consistent look and feel.

Course Import Tool

This method is better for copying lots of content in bulk, particularly quizzes.

Advantages: Efficient for bulk imports. Embedded links, images, files, and videos copy correctly. Once imported, Canvas items will need to be inserted into the new module structure.
Considerations: Once imported, items must be manually added to the new module structure. Using this tool multiple times can overwrite items with the same name. Imported content will not include the recommended template formatting and may need visual updates to make everything have the same look and feel.

Other important tips

Use the Canvas link validator to identify links, images, or files that still point to the old course and need to be fixed.
Review individual Canvas items using Student View to confirm content copied successfully and is accessible to students.

See Customizing Your Course next ➤