Using Third-Party Tools (LTIs) in Canvas

Canvas supports a variety of third-party tools—often called External Tools or LTIs—that integrate publisher content, video platforms, collaboration tools, and other learning applications directly into your course.

These tools are optional. You only need to use them if they support your instructional goals.

What to Know Before You Get Started

Tools are institution-managed. Only tools approved and enabled by the university appear in Canvas.
Most tools require course-level authorization. The first time you use a tool, you may be prompted to authorize or link it to your course.
Not all tools pass grades to the Gradebook. Grade sync depends on the tool and how it is configured.
Students should access tools through Modules. This provides the clearest, most consistent experience.

Where You’ll Find Third-Party Tools in Canvas

Approved tools can appear in several places, depending on how they are designed:

Assignments
Often used when the tool collects work or sends grades back to Canvas
Modules
Used to place the tool directly in the student learning flow
Rich Content Editor
Used to embed tool content inside Pages, Assignments, or Discussions
Course Navigation (less common)
Some tools add a navigation link, but this is not always recommended for student access

If you don’t see a tool listed, it may not be enabled for your course or may require additional setup.

Adding a Third-Party Tool to a Module

The most common—and recommended—way for students to access external tools is through Modules.

Go to Modules.
Click the + icon on the module.
Select External Tool.
Choose the tool from the list (or click Find).
Configure any required settings or authorization.
Click Add Item.

Tip: Some tools require you to launch them once as an instructor to complete setup before students can access them.

Authorization & First-Time Setup

Many third-party tools require you to authorize access the first time you use them in a course.

You may be prompted to sign in or grant permissions
Authorization is typically required once per course
Some tools require additional configuration before students can submit work

If a tool does not load as expected, verify that it has been authorized and added correctly to a Module.

Best Practices for Using External Tools

Add tools to Modules rather than relying on navigation links
Test the tool using Student View before publishing
Confirm whether grades sync automatically—or need manual entry
Provide brief instructions so students know what to expect

Need Tool-Specific Guidance?

Each third-party tool has its own workflow and support resources.

Check vendor documentation for setup and grading details
Refer to university guidance on supported tools
Contact your instructional support team if a tool does not appear in Canvas

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