> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.nectir.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add from Canvas

> Add course content from Canvas into your AI Assistant's knowledge base via the Canvas API.

The Canvas integration connects directly to your Canvas instance via API, letting you browse and select course content to add to your Assistant's knowledge base. Unlike [Import Course Export](/creating/lms-import), which requires you to download and upload a course export file, this integration pulls content from Canvas with no file handling on your end. You can sync updates daily or weekly to keep your Assistant current as your course evolves.

<Note>
  Before you can import from Canvas, a **Workspace admin** must set up the Canvas API integration. If you don't see the option to add from Canvas, ask your admin to follow the [Canvas API Setup guide](/lms-integrations/canvas-api).
</Note>

## How It Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Knowledge Tab">
    Hover over your Assistant, click the **three dots**, select **Settings**, then navigate to the **Knowledge** tab.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add from Canvas">
    Click **+ Add knowledge**, then select **Add from Canvas**. If this is your first time, you'll be redirected to Canvas to authorize access.

    <Tip>
      Nectir keeps your Canvas authorization active for as long as possible. In some cases, you may need to reauthorize.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a Course">
    After authorizing, you'll see a list of Canvas courses you have access to. Select the course you want to import content from.

    <Info>
      Only courses where you have a **Teacher role or higher** are shown. Admins can see any course they have access to.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose Content to Import">
    Select which content categories to import (files, pages, assignments, discussions, announcements, quizzes). Categories are selected by default — deselect anything you don't want to import.

    <Warning>
      Unsupported file formats are clearly marked and cannot be imported.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Import">
    Click **Add to knowledge** to begin importing the selected content. Files are processed and added to your Assistant's knowledge base automatically.

    <Check>
      Once processing completes, your imported content appears in the Knowledge table grouped under the Canvas course name.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Supported Content Types

The Canvas API integration supports importing the following content types from your courses:

| Content Type      | What Gets Imported                                                |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Files**         | Documents, images, and other files uploaded to your Canvas course |
| **Pages**         | Wiki pages and their full content                                 |
| **Assignments**   | Assignment descriptions and instructions                          |
| **Discussions**   | Discussion topic prompts and descriptions                         |
| **Announcements** | Course announcements and their content                            |
| **Quizzes**       | Quiz questions, answer choices, and descriptions                  |

<Info>
  All content is imported as **read-only**. Nectir never modifies or deletes anything in your Canvas course.
</Info>

## Keeping Content Up to Date

As your course content evolves in Canvas, there are two ways to keep your Assistant's knowledge base in sync.

### Manual Sync

Check for updates at any time:

1. Open the **Knowledge** tab in your Assistant's settings
2. Find your Canvas course in the Knowledge table
3. Click **Check updates** to scan for new or modified content
4. Review the changes and confirm which updates to apply

### Automatic Sync

Turn on automatic sync to have Nectir check for content changes on a schedule:

1. Open the Canvas course in the Knowledge table
2. Toggle automatic sync on
3. Choose your sync frequency: **daily** or **weekly**

Nectir checks for changes on your chosen schedule and updates only the content that has changed.

<Tip>
  Automatic sync and manual **Check updates** work independently. You can use **Check updates** at any time, even with automatic sync turned on.
</Tip>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="'Add from Canvas' option is not available">
    The Canvas API integration must be configured at the Workspace level before instructors can import content. Ask your Workspace admin to set up the connection using the [Canvas API Setup guide](/lms-integrations/canvas-api).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No courses appear after authorizing">
    * Verify you have a **Teacher role or higher** in at least one Canvas course
    * Check that your Canvas account is active and not restricted
    * If the issue persists, contact [support@nectir.io](mailto:support@nectir.io)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Some files are greyed out">
    Files in unsupported formats cannot be imported. Convert them to a [supported file type](/creating/assistant-knowledge#supported-knowledge-sources) in Canvas, then try importing again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Import fails or gets stuck">
    * Check your internet connection
    * If the issue persists, contact [support@nectir.io](mailto:support@nectir.io) with details about the course and content types you're importing
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Knowledge Scope" icon="bullseye-pointer" href="/creating/assistant-knowledge-scope">
    Configure the boundaries of information your Assistant can access
  </Card>

  <Card title="Assistant Prompt" icon="message" href="/creating/assistant-prompt">
    Set the directions that shape your Assistant's behavior
  </Card>
</CardGroup>