How much user storage do I have and what counts against the quota?
Students have a storage space of 60MB in canvas. Files that count against the course storage quota include:
- profile pictures
- files attached to ungraded discussion board replies*
- files uploaded via the Rich Content Editor (in discussion replies and other places where the RCE is available)*
- Files uploaded directly into user files
Any file that is uploaded as part of an Assignment submission does *not* count against a student's user quota (although the files will appear in the student's user files)
*There is a difference between files attached to discussion posts (#2 in image below) and files uploaded via the Rich Content Editor: "upload document" button (#1 in image below) or from the menu options, select Insert>document. Attached files DO count against user quota for ungraded discussions, but not for graded discussions. Uploaded files always count against user quota.
How do I avoid using up user storage?
The primary reason students use up user storage is by adding files to discussion board posts. Attaching a single video file or large Powerpoint will likely use up all storage instantly. Please consider the following alternative options:
- Store your file on Microsoft Onedrive and share a link to the file in your post. All FSU students, faculty and staff have access to several gigabytes of cloud storage on MS Onedrive. This video demonstrates the process of accessing OneDrive, uploading or creating files, and then sharing them. Note: Google Drive or other cloud storage solutions could also be used similarly.
- For audio or video files, consider recording, storing and sharing your file through our comprehensive video management solution Panopto. This is the most appropriate solution for large video files. If your instructor has requested large video files from students, please encourage them to explore this option. It requires some setup on the instructor's end, so they may need to reach out to ETO for assistance.
If I have already exceeded my user file quota, how do I delete files to regain space?
If one's quota is exceeded the user must delete the files from the Canvas Files section. Click on "Account" in the Global Navigation Menu, then click "Files". Note that if you delete a file from this area, it will "disappear" from Canvas. So if it is your profile pic, your profile pic will disappear. If it is a file that was uploaded or attached to a discussion, it will no longer be viewable there. So make sure that no one (teacher or other classmates) still need access to your discussion board post.
Instructions: How do I delete a file or folder in Files?
Additional Resources
Canvas Resource Document: Canvas File Quotas (Student)
Canvas Resource Document: Canvas Media Comparison