I want to make PDF embeds downloadable!

[annacarlson1]

HELP!

I post study guides for my students with fill-in blanks.  I just learned to make them in PDF format because MS Word formatting issues were a nightmare for the students.  Now I find that when I embed a link to the file in a Canvas page I can't make it downloadable and all I can find in the discussions here is how to PREVENT students from downloading PDFs.

Can I make PDFs so that they ARE downloadable for students??

Thanks!!

[KristinL · Accepted solution]

Hi! Any time a user clicks the "hyperlinked" title of the PDF, it should prompt an automatic download. There is a small document with a magnifying glass that someone could click to view it as an in-line preview. What happens when you try to click the link/source of the PDF after you complete your editing?

[rodney_bowder]

My teachers are also having problems embedding or adding page links for PDFs to download.

Yes I agree that if you upload a PDF into your course file system and then link or embed the file onto a page, then indeed the student can download.

However.... if you are trying to save course file space and want to use the new 'One Drive' share functionality in Canvas so that you can easily browse to your One Drive files in page edit mode and choose to embed/link a PDF for student viewing, you will find that the student cannot download. There is no option to download when the link or document is clicked or viewed.

Is there anyone else out there in the community who has experience this issue and do you have an alternative work around rather than to upload the PDF into the course file system (we do not want to upload as the course file system is nearly 100% and our policy here is not to increase this file size on an add hoc basis).

Many thanks for the initial question @annacarlson1  and for your initial response @KristinL 

Rod ; )

[greydon]

Hello  @rodney_bowder 

Thank you for following up here and providing those resources for us. Normally, the hyperlinked documents are downloadable by default but the integration with Microsoft One Drive could be causing an issue here since technically the files are being stored through their servers and not here within the course like you are used to. We understand the need for saving on file space and using One Drive. 

In a situation like this, it would be best to look at this specifically so we can see the course, students, and assignment directly. Please feel free to contact Canvas Support directly so we can pinpoint the source of the issue and provide a solution. Thank you! 

https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Canvas-Basics-Guide/How-do-I-contact-Canvas-Support/ta-p/389767