Reducing the Course File Size from Moodle ISU to ISU Canvas

This article provides instructions on how to reduce the file size of a Moodle ISU course in order to import into ISU Canvas at Idaho State University (ISU). In ISU Canvas, the import file must be smaller than 500 MB. If your backup file is larger than 500 MB, there are a number of options for reducing your course file size. Note: ISU does not have the ability to increase the amount of storage available for courses.

• Moving Videos to External Storage
• Compressing or Converting PowerPoints
• Compressing a PDF File
• Moving Large Files to External Storage (Google Drive or Box)
• Determining the File Size of a Moodle ISU Backup
• Additional Resources

1. If you have uploaded lecture videos or Zoom recordings directly into Moodle ISU, you will need to download them, then delete them from the course. In order to preserve your original Moodle ISU course content, we recommend using a Moodle ISU Temporary course which you can request by completing the Moodle: Special Course Request Form (external link).
2. Upload your videos to an external storage solution such as Google Drive, YouTube, or Panopto (the preferred option). See the article, Using the Panopto Video Management System with ISU Canvas for more information.
3. Relink the videos into your course via an external url or the Panopto External tool. For more information, see the article, Linking to Panopto Videos in ISU Canvas.

1. Reduce the file size of your PowerPoint presentations (external link) by compressing pictures or lowering default resolution
2. Export PowerPoint presentations as PDF files (external link)
3. If there are videos and/or audio embedded in the slides, turn your presentation into a video (external link) and then upload to Panopto
   • Use HD (720p) for a medium file size

1. Compress a PDF using Adobe's free online tool: Compress PDFs & reduce file size online for free | Acrobat (external link)
2. Reduce PDF file size with Adobe Acrobat for easy sharing and storage (external link)

1. Google Drive has several options for sharing files and folders (external link) 
2. While ISU students do not have a Box account, files and folders have sharing settings similar to Google Drive. See Creating Shared Links - Box Support (external link) and/or additional information below

• Once the backup process is complete, in the course backup/Restore area you will see the backup file, the time it was created and the file size. See the article, Backing Up and Restoring a Moodle ISU Course.

• Resource 1: Box Resources
• Resource 2: General Box Information
• Resource 3: Box Capabilities and Guidelines

• Chat with Canvas Support for Faculty (external link)
• Canvas Instructor Guides (external link)
• Visit the ITRC Portal for answers to common questions (external link)
• For additional assistance email AnswersITRC@isu.edu