Importing Content from a Previous Canvas Course

If you have taught in Canvas before, you do not need to build your course from scratch. Canvas allows you to copy content from a previous course into your Spring 2026 course.

This page focuses on what instructors need to know about the import process, including when to import, what carries over, and how to avoid common issues after content is copied.

Important context: Importing content brings materials into Canvas index areas (Pages, Assignments, Discussions, Files). Students, however, should experience your course through Modules. Organizing imported content into Modules is a key final step.

Recommended Approach: Import into Your Current Course

You want to reuse content from a previous Canvas course or from a Canvas course that was migrated for you.

Most instructors will use the Course Import Tool to copy content into their current course. You can import:

All course content, or
Selected items (such as Modules, Assignments, Pages, Discussions, Files, or Quizzes)

After importing, content can be reviewed, adjusted, and then placed into Modules so students encounter it in a clear, structured learning path.

Copying Content from Another Canvas Course

Optional: Import from a Blackboard Export (.zip)

All instructors still have access to Blackboard. Some courses have already been migrated into Canvas, while others are still in the migration queue.

This option is intended for instructors who do not yet have a migrated Canvas course and want to begin moving content now by exporting their Blackboard course and importing it manually.

If your course has already been migrated into Canvas, starting with the migrated Canvas course is usually the best option.

High-Level Process

Export your Blackboard course as a Blackboard 6/7/8/9 .zip file
In Canvas, go to Settings → Import Course Content
Select Blackboard 6/7/8/9 export .zip file
Choose All Content or Select specific content
Review imported items and organize them into Modules

Before You Import: Dates & Timing

Imported content may include existing due dates, availability dates, and calendar events from a prior term.

During the import process, Canvas allows you to shift, or remove dates so they align with your Spring 2026 schedule.

Why this matters: If students are already enrolled when dated content is imported, they may see incorrect deadlines or encounter submission issues.

Shift all dates to new start and end dates
Remove imported due dates and set them manually later

Taking a moment to review these options during import can prevent confusion once students begin accessing your Modules.

Important Notes (to Avoid Common Issues)

Avoid importing the same content more than once. Re-importing can overwrite or duplicate items.
Imported settings may affect course policies. Grade posting and late/missing policies may carry over.
If you use a late/missing policy: Consider temporarily disabling it before importing.
Blackboard imports require review. Expect to check formatting, links, and quizzes.
Use caution with “Overwrite assessment content with matching IDs.”

After importing, plan time to review content and place student-facing materials into Modules so learners experience your course in a clear, guided way.

Related Canvas Guides

You can find all Canvas Guides by clicking the Help button in the Global Navigation menu.

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