How do I embed or link a file from Microsoft OneDrive in the Rich Content Editor?
When using the Rich Content Editor to add content in Canvas, you can embed or link a file from Microsoft Education in the editor. This allows you to quickly add Microsoft OneDrive files in tools such as Modules, Assignments, and Discussions.
Note: When you add a file using the Microsoft Education tool, a "Microsoft Group" is automatically created for the course to house files embedded or linked there and a unique copy of the file is placed in the Group. This copied file is not associated with the original file in your OneDrive. You will need to access the version of the file included in the course to make edits to it.
The "Microsoft Group" must be renewed each year by an instructor in the course. The instructor will receive an email with a subject line similar to the following: "Course: 26F Online Media is set to expire on Saturday, January 11, 2025." They must use a link in the email to renew the Group before the expiration date if they would like to continue to access and/or reuse the OneDrive content that was linked or embedded in the Canvas course site.
Go to the page where you will embed or link the file.
The Rich Content Editor is available on most pages in Canvas where text can be added. For example, you may use the editor to create a page in Modules, create or submit an assignment, or make a discussion post.
Pictured above is where an instructor can find the Edit button on a course Home page to add a file to that page.
Position your cursor in the editor.
Position your cursor where you want to embed or link the file.
Tip: It is recommended to add some text in the editor above or below the file to give it context.
Select Apps, then View All.
- Select the Apps button in the editor's toolbar.
- Select View All.
Note: If the Apps button does not appear in the editor's toolbar, you can find it under the More (three dots) menu at the far right end of the toolbar.
Tip: If you have recently used the Microsoft Education plugin, you can select it from the list of tools in the Apps menu. Skip to the step to link or embed the file.
Select Microsoft Education.
From the list of tools that appear, select Microsoft Education. If you used Microsoft Education previously in your course, skip to the step to link or embed the file.
Set up Microsoft Education (first-time use only).
Select Continue setup.
Enable or disable desired apps.
- A list of Microsoft "Dashboard Apps" that can be used in your course will display. OneDrive is enabled by default and should be left on. You may toggle on or off any of the other options, for example Class Notebook or Teams.
- Select Done.
Wait for the class to be set up.
It may take a few minutes for the Microsoft Education tool to create the folders for your files and set up any other enabled Dashboard Apps for your course. During this time, a "We're setting up your class," progress bar will display. Wait for the process to complete.
Select Add file.
Select the file.
Your OneDrive folders will display. Navigate to and select the file to embed or link.
Embed or link the file.
Select the button for your desired display option:
- Embed: Allows students to preview the file on the page without opening another window or downloading the file.
- Link: Allows students to select a link to the file that opens in a new browser tab or window.
View the file.
After the file has finished uploading, the embedded file or link will appear in the editor.
Save or submit your work.
After you have finished adding content, be sure to save or submit your work.