Link to a OneDrive document in Canvas content

Since OneDrive files are private by default, linking to a file in your OneDrive without managing sharing settings will result in students requesting permission. The Office365 app within Canvas allows you to link to a OneDrive file without having to individually share the file with your students. If you aren't using Canvas or want to share your files outside of Canvas, you can follow Microsoft's steps in Share OneDrive files and folders instead of the steps below.

Want to use Canvas modules to manage visibility? See the guide Share a OneDrive file in a Canvas module for what steps to follow.

Please note: Following these steps will share a document with your entire class. If you need to share a document with an individual student, please follow Microsoft's instructions for sharing a OneDrive file with specific people instead.

Before you start:

Click "Office 365" in your course Navigation and follow the authorization steps in Viewing your OneDrive files in Canvas.
- If you don't see this, follow the instructions in Customizing your Course Navigation before proceeding.
Decide what content you want to add a link to. The links below provide an overview of some of the options.
- How do I use the Syllabus as an instructor?
- What are Announcements?
- What are Assignments?
- What are Discussions?
- What are Pages?

Add a link to a OneDrive file using the Canvas Rich Content Editor (RCE)

Open the Canvas course you want to share the file with.
Use the course navigation to access the content you want to add a link to. The following steps will use the course Syllabus page as an example.
- Note: Any content in Canvas that uses the Rich Content Editor (RCE) interface will allow for linking OneDrive files. See the Canvas guide What is the Rich Content Editor (RCE)? for more information.
Open the RCE by clicking Edit or adding new content.
Enter any context about the OneDrive file that you want to provide, then click the Office365 icon in the editing toolbar. Visually, it appears to be a red stylized O with square edges.
- If you don't see this icon, click the vertical three dots icon to make additional options available on a second line.
- If you're navigating the RCE using a keyboard or assistive device, it may be easier to use the menubar above the toolbar instead. Office365 will be under "Tools", then "Apps". You can also see Canvas' guide on the menubar for more information about its use and keyboard shortcuts: How do I use the menubar in the Rich Content Editor?
A new Office365 window will open that may take some time to load. If prompted, log in to your Microsoft 365 account.
When you see your list of OneDrive files, navigate to or search for the file you want to link to.
Click the checkbox to the left of the file's name.
Click "Attach File" to confirm.
The Office365 window will close and a link will be added in the RCE with the name of the file that was selected.
- If you'd like to change the default link text, click "Link Options" to open an editing sidebar on the right.
Add any other content needed and click "Update" to save your changes.
- If you're adding a link to a different piece of content, this may say "Save & Publish" or "Publish" instead of "Update".