Moodle ISU to ISU Canvas: How to Reduce Course File Size

Summary

Lists options for reducing Moodle ISU course backup file size.

Body

Description

In order to import a Moodle backup file (or Canvas Common Cartridge file) into ISU Canvas, the 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.

Move Videos to External Storage

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 (we recommend a Moodle ISU Temporary course for this process).
Upload your videos to an external storage solution such as Google Drive, YouTube, or Panopto (the preferred option). See the article, Panopto: Video Management System for more information.
Relink the videos into your course via an external url or the Panopto External tool. See the article, Panopto: Adding Video in ISU Canvas for Faculty for detailed instructions.

Compress/Convert PowerPoints

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

Compress PDF's

Compress a PDF using Adobe's free online tool: Compress PDFs & reduce file size online for free | Acrobat
Use the Adobe Acrobat Pro PDF optimizer tool (If you do not own a copy, you can come to the ITRC and use our software or request assistance)

Move Large Files to Google Drive or Box

Google Drive has several options for sharing files and folders
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

How do I know what size my Moodle ISU backup file is?

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.

Seek Further Assistance

For additional assistance, please contact the ITRC at (208) 282-5880 or itrc@isu.edu

Contact the ITRC if you need additional assistance.

Details

Article ID: 167600

Created

Mon 7/14/25 5:53 PM

Modified

Tue 7/15/25 5:03 PM