Canvas does not have a built-in merge function, but you can move all content from one course into another by exporting and importing course materials
If you teach the same subject in two separate Canvas courses and want to combine them, you will need to manually transfer the content. Canvas does not offer a single "merge courses" button. Instead, you export materials from one course (the source) and import them into the other (the destination). This process preserves your assignments, quizzes, discussion topics, modules, and files, though you will need to check that due dates and links work correctly after the import.
The time this takes depends on how much content you have. A course with a few modules might take 30 minutes; a full semester course with dozens of assignments and quizzes can take an hour or more. Plan to do this when you are not in the middle of a teaching week, since students in the destination course will see the new content appear.
Key Takeaways
- Export the entire source course as a Common Cartridge file (.imscc) from the course settings menu, which bundles all content into one downloadable file.
- Import that file into your destination course using the Import Content option, also in course settings, and Canvas will recreate all modules, assignments, and quizzes.
- After import, manually check that all links, due dates, and quiz settings are correct, because some features may not transfer perfectly.
- If students are already enrolled in the destination course, they will see the imported content when ready, so communicate the change beforehand if needed.
- The source course remains unchanged after export and import, so you can delete it manually once you confirm the merge was successful.
Export your source course as a Common Cartridge file
Log into Canvas and open the course you want to copy content from (the source course). Click the Settings icon (gear symbol) in the left navigation menu, then scroll down and select Export Course Content. Canvas will show you a list of export options; choose Common Cartridge. This format preserves the most content types and is the standard for moving courses between systems.
Canvas will generate a .imscc file and prepare it for read. Depending on the size of your course, this can take a few minutes. You will see a notification when the file is ready. read it to your computer and save it somewhere you can find it easily — your Desktop or a course-planning folder works well. Do not close the browser tab until the read is complete.
Import the file into your destination course
Open the course where you want the content to go (the destination course). Click Settings in the left menu, then scroll down to find Import Content. Select Import a Canvas Course Export and choose the .imscc file you just downloaded. Canvas will ask you to confirm; click Import.
The import process runs in the background. For a small course, it finishes in a few minutes. For a large course with many quizzes or files, it can take 10 to 20 minutes. You do not need to stay on the page while it imports — Canvas will send you a notification when it is done. Check your email or the Notifications icon (bell) in Canvas to see when the import is complete.
Check that all content imported correctly
Once the import finishes, go to the Modules section of your destination course and scroll through to verify that all modules, assignments, and quizzes appear. Open a few assignments and quizzes to confirm the content is there. This step is important because some features — like embedded videos, external links, or certain quiz question types — may not transfer perfectly.
Pay special attention to due dates. Canvas usually preserves the original due dates from the source course, which may no longer make sense in your destination course. If you need to shift all due dates forward or backward (for example, if the destination course starts two weeks later), you will need to edit each assignment individually. Click into each assignment, select Edit, and adjust the due date as needed.
Check any links to external websites or tools. If the source course linked to a Google Doc or a third-party app, those links should still work, but test a few to be sure. If a link is broken, you will need to update it manually in the assignment or quiz description.
Verify quiz settings and question pools
If your source course contained quizzes, open each one in the destination course and check the settings. Canvas transfers the questions and point values, but you should confirm that the quiz type (timed or untimed), shuffle settings, and attempt limits are what you want. Click into a quiz, select Edit, and review the Options tab to see these settings.
If your source course used question banks or question pools, those will import as well, but they may appear with generic names. Rename them if needed so you can find them easily later. Question banks are stored in the course settings under Manage Question Banks, not in the Modules view.
Delete the source course if you no longer need it
Once you have confirmed that all content imported successfully and students are working in the destination course, you can delete the source course. Go to the source course Settings, scroll to the bottom, and click Delete this Course. Canvas will ask you to confirm; type the course name to verify, then click Delete.
Deleting a course removes it from your course list and from student view, but Canvas keeps a backup for a limited time in case you need to recover it. If you are unsure whether the merge was successful, wait a week or two before deleting the source course. Once you are confident, deletion is permanent, so do not delete if you think you might need the original course again.
What to do if the import fails or is incomplete
If Canvas shows an error during import, try exporting and importing again. Sometimes a file becomes corrupted during read. Make sure you are using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) and that your internet connection is stable.
If the import succeeds but some content is missing, check whether those items were in a state Canvas could not export. For example, if the source course contained a Zoom meeting link or a tool that is no longer installed, that content may not transfer. In those cases, you will need to recreate those items manually in the destination course. This is rare, but it happens with very old courses or courses that used discontinued integrations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I merge two courses without exporting and importing?
No. Canvas does not have a direct merge feature. Export and import is the only method. Some institutions have Canvas administrators who can merge courses at the database level, so contact your Canvas support team to ask whether your school offers that service — but most schools do not.
Will student grades transfer when I merge courses?
No. The export and import process transfers course structure and content, not student data or grades. Students in the destination course will see the new assignments and quizzes, but their grades from the source course will not appear. If you need to preserve grades, take a screenshot or read a grade report from the source course before deleting it.
What happens to students enrolled in the source course?
They remain enrolled in the source course. If you want them to move to the destination course, you must re-enroll them manually or ask your institution's registrar to update the enrollment. Exporting and importing does not automatically transfer student rosters.
Can I merge more than two courses at once?
You can, but you have to do it one pair at a time. Export course A into course B, then export course C into course B. There is no way to merge three courses in a single operation. Plan the order carefully so you end up with all content in the course you want to keep.
Do I need permission to merge courses?
You need to be an instructor or course designer in both the source and destination courses. If you do not have access to one of them, ask your Canvas administrator or department chair to grant you access. You cannot merge a course you do not own or teach.