Follow the steps below to import/copy an existing course into a new Canvas course shell.
1. Start by logging into Canvas at https://canvas.charlotte.edu/ using your NinerNET credentials.
2. Open the Canvas course where you want to import or copy content.
This should be the destination course—typically a blank shell for an upcoming semester, or a Project, Development, or Training course you’ve requested.
📌 Note: Always begin the import process from the empty course shell where the content will be copied to, not from the course you're copying from.
3. From the empty course shell, start the content import process. There are two methods that can be used to access the "Import Content" page in Canvas outlined below.
Method One: On the Course Home page, click “Import Existing Content” from the right-hand sidebar.
🔄 Alternate method: You can also go to Settings in the left-hand navigation menu, then select “Import Course Content” from the Course Details tab.
4. On the Import Content page, click on the drop-down for Select Content Type.
a. If you are importing an existing course you are a Teacher in, select Copy a Canvas Course, then use Search for a course to find the course you want to import.
b. If you have a Canvas Export File downloaded to your computer, select Canvas Course Export Package, then navigate to the file and Choose File as the Source.
📌 Note: If the file is zipped and comes from another academic institution, you may need to choose QTI .zip file as the Content Type.
5. Choose the content you want to import.
Under the Content section, select “All Content” to copy everything from the original course.
📌 Note: If you only want to import specific items (e.g., everything except old announcements), choose “Select Specific Content.” You’ll be prompted to pick the exact content to include later in the import process.
6. Options are optional. You can leave both boxes unchecked to import the course exactly as it was, without making any adjustments.
a. Convert content to New Quizzes
Canvas no longer supports or updates Classic Quizzes. If your original course still uses them, check this box to automatically convert them to New Quizzes during import.
📌 Note: The original Classic Quizzes will remain available in the course you're copying from, for reference.
b. Adjust events and due dates
To avoid issues with outdated assignment dates and gradebook settings, Canvas offers Shift Dates or Remove Dates during import.
- Shift Dates – automatically adjusts dates based on the new course start date and existing data about the terms of both courses involved in the import. We do not recommend using the "Shift Dates" option at this time due to known issues with the tool inaccurately adjusting dates.
- Remove Dates – clears all existing due dates. All assignments will need new due dates assigned individually when the import is complete.
Note: Regardless of the option you choose, you must review and adjust due dates for all assignments in your new course.
7. Start the import process.
Once you've configured your import settings, click the green “+ Add to Import Queue” button.
📌 Note: If you selected “Select Specific Content” earlier, you’ll now be prompted to choose which items to import before the process continues.
8. Wait for the import to complete. The import process may take a few minutes. You can safely navigate away from the page while it runs—Canvas will continue processing in the background.
9. Review the import status. Once the import is complete, you’ll see a status message: either “Completed” or “Partially Completed.” If it says “Partially Completed,” click the “View Issues” button to see details.
📌 Note: Most issues are minor—often just broken hyperlinks in course content. Reviewing them helps ensure everything works smoothly for students.
10. View your imported content. Click the Home button in the left-hand navigation menu to return to the course homepage and review the content you just imported.
📌 Note: Sometimes it can take up to 5 minutes after an Import is complete for all content to show. Click the page refresh button until you see all your expected course content copied over.
11. Review your imported course content. Take a moment to verify that all the expected materials were successfully copied. Once confirmed, you can begin updating and customizing your course for the upcoming term.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
How do I bulk update due dates and availability dates as an instructor? (Video and Step-by-Step FAQ)