Media Files in Canvas

What Types of Media Files Can I Upload in Canvas as an Instructor?

Canvas allows instructors to upload specific image, video, and audio files as user content.

When using the media tool in the Rich Content Editor Linked here, Canvas can convert media files up to 500 MB. For files larger than this limit, you can host them externally, such as on YouTube, and embed them in Canvas using the Rich Content Editor. To explore more media options in Canvas, you can view the Canvas Media Comparison resource document.

When files are uploaded to a course, group, or user files, Canvas automatically converts them into a browser-supported format. However, file uploads larger than 5 GB are not supported for user files. Since media playback depends on your browser, you may need to switch browsers if a file doesn't display correctly.

Each user area in Canvas—personal files, course files, and group files—has its own file quota. Files uploaded to user or group files will count against the respective quota, except for profile pictures. For students, any files attached to graded assignment submissions are stored in their user files but do not count against the user file quota.

Supported Image Formats

Canvas accepts the following image file types:

• BMP - Windows Bitmap
• GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
• JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts Group
• SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
• TIFF - Adobe Systems
• PNG - Portable Network Graphics

Note: TIF and TIFF file previews may not display in most browsers and may not preview within Canvas.

Supported Video Formats

The Canvas media player supports H.264 video playback and accepts the following formats:

• ASF – Windows Media
• QT – Apple QuickTime
• MOV – Apple QuickTime
• MPG – Digital Video Format
• MPEG – Digital Video Format
• AVI – Digital Video Format
• M4V – Digital Video Format
• WMV – Windows Media
• MP4 – Digital Video Format

For media compression and playback quality tips, see Vimeo's Video Compression Guidelines.

Supported Audio Formats

Canvas accepts the following audio file types for playback:

• MP3 – Digital Audio Format
• WAV – Waveform Audio File
• WMA – Windows Media Audio
• WMV – Windows Media

Have Questions? Contact the Academic Technology Support Team

ATST@spcollege.edu 

 Phone at 727-341-3500 

(Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST).

After-hours or weekend assistance? Contact the Technical Support Center at 727-791-2795 or onlinehelp@spcollege.edu

Want to Schedule a One-on-One or Group Session on Canvas or other instructional technology issues or opportunities? 

Schedule 1:1 Support Help with a Member of the MyCourses4Faculty Team