Course Design Tips for Canvas Rename Files in Module

Renaming files in Canvas helps make the course navigation more clear for students. For example, “Week 3 Reflection Journal” helps students to know what the file is more clearly than “ch3_journalSPRNG2023.doc”

You can rename files from the Module tab by following the following steps:

Click on the options icon (three dots) to the right of the file.
A dropdown menu will appear. Click the “Edit” option.
This will open up a content editing box. Click into the “Title” box and delete the file name. Then, type in your new, descriptive name.
Click “Update” when you are finished.

Animated Gif showing how to complete steps 1-4.

Animated gif showing how to rename files in Canvas

Important Note

Renaming files in the Module tab does not rename them in other parts of your course. This is why it is recommended that you hide the “Files” link in the course navigation, and have students access all content from the modules tab.