Body
Description
Instructors can export scores from the Canvas Gradebook and download them to their device as a .csv file.
The Export Gradebook feature is a helpful option for instructors wanting to enhance grade data in ways not easily accomplished using the Canvas Gradebook. Instructors may use the Export Gradebook function to:
Note that the CSV grade export will preserve values in the Total column as percentages if the display in the grade book is set to percentages, but the export will not preserve percentage grades for individual assignments, even if the display in the grade book is set to percentages. This is by Canvas' design (see the Exporting grades to Excel - convert points to percentages Canvas Community post for more details). A workaround to display percentages for individual assignment scores in the export file is to create a blank column next to the score in the exported spreadsheet and enter a formula, such as “input =F2*100/total possible” where F2 is the student score, copying it from row to row for each individual grade.
After downloading scores from the Gradebook, the instructor can open and edit the download using Microsoft Excel. Once editing is complete, the file can then be uploaded back into the Canvas Gradebook. The Canvas Instructor Guide has information about how to import grades from the .csv file into the Canvas gradebook. Please note that deleting columns could result in the loss of student grades. After importing your .csv you will have the opportunity to review your changes before adding them to the Canvas gradebook. Be sure to carefully review all changes before finalizing the import process.
The exported Canvas gradebook can also be saved as a Microsoft Excel Workbook (.xlsx) to import grades to the Faculty and Advising Center at the end of the semester.
Environment
Canvas in your web browser
Microsoft Excel
Solution
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Log in to Canvas at canvas.ohio.edu
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Via the Courses tab on the left global navigation menu, navigate to the course you would like to export grades from
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Navigate to the Grades from the course navigation menu
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Select Export
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Select either Export Current Gradebook View or Export Entire Gradebook depending on your needs
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Navigate to the downloads area of your device to open the .csv file generated by Canvas.
Outcome: You have downloaded your Canvas Gradebook to your device as a .csv file and can make changes to the file using Microsoft Excel.
Prepare Gradebook for Import to Ohio University Online Grading System
The Faculty and Advising Center, the website used to add students' final grades for the semester, has the option to import grades in a batch process. This can be a good option for instructors teaching classes with many students. This process changed in summer 2025 to allow the import of grades with one of three different identifiers, no longer solely relying on the PID, which is not available in Canvas.
*Note: For additional guidance, review the Registrar’s FAQ website related to Grades for directions on importing grades into the Faculty and Advising Center.
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Once you export your gradebook following the directions in the prior section, you need to convert the .csv file generated by Canvas to an Excel (.xlsx) file type. You can do this by opening the file in Microsoft Excel and using the Save As option (available within the File menu in the Desktop application) to change the File Format to an Excel Workbook (.xlsx) file type.
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Ensure the following fields appear in your file before importing to the Faculty Advising Center (from the Grade Upload Help guidance in the FAC):
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Required Columns (for all uploads):
Note: If your file includes only one course and does not contain Subject, Catalog Number, and Section columns, you must enter the Class Number on the upload screen.
- Student ID - Any combination of PID, OHIO ID, EmplID, or OHIO Email
- Grade - Final letter grade (see Grades | Ohio University)
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Additional Required Columns (for multi-class uploads):
- Subject - Course subject
- Catalog Number - Course number
- Section Number - Course section
- WP/WF/FS Stop Date - Required only for WP, WF, or FS grades.
- Leave cells blank unless a stop date is required.
- If used, enter date as MM/DD/YYYY format (ex. 11/05/2023).
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Example: If you are uploading grades for ENG 1510 100, your file should include:
- Subject - ENG
- Catalog Number - 1510
- Section Number - 100
- Prepare to upload your file to the Faculty Advising Center. Navigate to the the Faculty Advising Center - Teaching -- Upload Grades page. (from the Grade Upload Help guidance in the FAC):
- Tips for File Preparation:
- Use exact column header spelling. All required column names must match exactly.
- Avoid duplicate column headers. For example, do not include two “Grade” columns.
- Extra columns are allowed and will be ignored during processing.
- Leave WP/WF/FS Stop Date cells blank unless needed.
- Preserve important formatting:
- Excel may auto-format fields (ex. remove leading zeros from EmplIDs).
- To prevent issues, consider formatting numbers as Text before entering data to preserve the correct formatting.
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What to Expect During Upload
- Select Choose File and upload your Excel file.
- Preview your file:
- All student identifiers will display as PIDs, even if you used OHIO ID, EmplID, or email.
- If formatting is incorrect, a validation message will appear.
- To fix the issue, select Reset and update your file.
- If everything looks correct, select Upload File.
- You'll be redirected to Faculty & Advising Center to verify and submit your grades.
Outcome: You can upload final grades into the Ohio University Online Grading System using an Excel (.xlsx) file.
Get help from Canvas
Get help from OIT
Additional resources