Download Your Assignment Submissions from Canvas

Questions

  • How do I download all my Canvas assignment submissions at once?
  • Can I export my submitted assignments from Canvas as a student?
  • How do I get a copy of everything I've submitted in Canvas?
  • Where do I find the option to download my Canvas submissions?
  • How do I download assignments I submitted in courses that have already ended?
  • Can I download submissions from concluded courses in Canvas?
  • How do I access my Canvas data export or submissions ZIP file?
  • Does the Canvas submissions download include group assignment files?

Environment

This article applies to all Bowdoin students with access to Canvas. The download includes assignment submissions from both active and concluded courses. The export includes files you submitted to fulfill assignments, as well as group assignment submissions made on your behalf by other group members. It does not include instructor-annotated or modified versions of your submissions.

Resolution

Canvas allows you to export all your assignment submissions as a single ZIP file through your account settings. The steps below walk through the full process, from generating the export to opening the downloaded file.

Video walkthrough: The embedded guide below demonstrates each step visually.

 

Open User Settings

Canvas Global Navigation with the Account link highlighted and the Settings option in the dropdown menu

In the Canvas Global Navigation bar on the left, click the Account link, then click the Settings link.

Download Submissions

Canvas User Settings page with the Download Submissions button visible in the sidebar

On the Settings page, click the Download Submissions button in the sidebar.

Create Export

Canvas Download Submissions page showing the Create Export button

Click the Create Export button. Canvas will begin generating your submissions archive. This may take a few minutes depending on how many files you have submitted.

Download Export

Canvas Download Submissions page showing a completed export with the New Export link available

When the export has completed, click the New Export link to download the ZIP file.

Expiration notice: Content exports expire after 30 days and can no longer be downloaded after that point. Save the file to a reliable location soon after downloading.

Browser download prompt for the Canvas submissions ZIP file

The ZIP file will automatically download to your computer. If your browser asks what to do with the file, choose to save it to your computer or open it directly. The filename of the ZIP file includes the date of your export.

Open ZIP File

Downloaded Canvas submissions ZIP file shown in a computer file manager

Locate the ZIP file on your computer. To open it:

  • macOS: Double-click the ZIP file to extract it.
  • Windows: Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.

If you need to download the ZIP file again — for example, if you accidentally deleted the original — you can access it from within Canvas as long as it has not expired. To find it in Canvas:

  1. Click the Files link in the Canvas Global Navigation.

    Canvas navigation showing the Files link

  2. Click My Files.

    Canvas Files sidebar with My Files highlighted

  3. Click the data exports folder.

    Canvas My Files page with the data exports folder visible
     
  4. View the ZIP file of your assignments

    Canvas data exports folder containing the submissions ZIP file
File quota: The ZIP file stored in your data exports folder counts toward your Canvas student file quota.

View Submissions

Expanded Canvas submissions ZIP folder showing assignment files organized by course

Open the extracted folder to view your assignment submissions organized by course.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

  • Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
  • Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
  • In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
  • Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.

Additional Resources

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