You can bulk import outcomes for your account using a CSV file. A bulk import allows you to add new outcomes to your account or update the details of multiple outcomes at one time.
The CSV file must be formatted correctly according to the Outcomes Import Format Documentation. If you don't want to create a new CSV file, you can download the Outcomes Export report from Canvas, change it, and re-upload the same file.
After your CSV file has been processed, you will receive an email notification confirming a successful import or displaying errors with your file. If there were errors, the email will contain details about the first 100 errors including the row of the error and a short description.
Notes:
- Outcomes import supports CSV or JSON files.
- Importing outcomes is an account permission. If you do not have permission to import outcomes, your institution has restricted this feature.
- In new outcomes, the vendor_guid field must not contain a colon.
- Depending on your institution's preference, your Outcomes page may not match the images shown in this lesson. However, functionality of the page remains the same.
Open Account
In Global Navigation, click the Admin link [1], then click the name of the account [2].
Open Outcomes
In Account Navigation, click the Outcomes link.
Import Outcomes
Click the Import button.
Upload File
Drag and drop your CSV file to the upload area, or click in the upload area to choose a file from your computer.
Open File
Locate the CSV file [1] and then click the Open button [2].
View Import Status
Canvas displays a loading page while the file uploads. Large CSV files may take time to import. You can leave the Outcomes page at any time without disrupting the import process.
View Import Success
When the file has been successfully imported, Canvas displays a confirmation message. You will also receive an email that the import was successful.
View Import Errors and Warnings
If the import was not successful, or if the import altered existing outcomes, Canvas displays an error message.
The error message displays for outcome import errors and for outcome import warnings.
You will receive an email with details about the first 100 errors and warnings. Each error or warning will include the CSV row number and a description of the error or warning.
Import errors stop the import process entirely and need to be fixed before outcomes can be imported successfully. The following types of errors may occur in CSV files:
- Required headings are missing
- Other headings are placed after the ratings header
- Invalid headers are present
- Required fields are missing
- Import file contains no data
- Invalid UTF-8 string
When an import warning occurs, Canvas skips the affected row and the import moves on. The following types of warnings may occur in CSV files:
- Rating tiers have missing points
- Rating tiers have invalid point values
- Rating tiers have points in wrong order
- Object type is incorrect
- Parent group refers to missing outcomes
- Parent groups are invalid
- Workflow state is invalid
- Calculation validation method not specified
- Group receives invalid fields
- Outcome edits are not within the same context
Correct the errors in the CSV file according to the Outcomes Import Format Documentation and re-import the file.
View Outcomes
View the outcomes imported into your account.
