how to delete submission on canvas

3 min read 12-01-2025

Canvas is a popular Learning Management System (LMS) used by many educational institutions. Sometimes, you might need to delete a submission, perhaps due to an accidental upload, wanting to resubmit a revised version, or simply removing an outdated assignment. This guide will walk you through the process of deleting your Canvas submissions. Knowing how to delete a submission on Canvas is a valuable skill for any student.

Understanding Canvas Submission Deletion

Before we begin, it's crucial to understand that deleting a submission is irreversible. Once deleted, you cannot recover it. Therefore, ensure you want to delete the submission before proceeding. If you're unsure, consider downloading a copy of your work before deletion. You should also check with your instructor about their policy on deleting submissions before taking any action.

How to Delete a Canvas Assignment Submission

The process of deleting a Canvas submission depends slightly on the type of assignment. However, the core steps are similar.

Step 1: Access the Assignment

First, navigate to the course in Canvas where the assignment is located. Find the assignment you want to delete from the Modules page or the Assignments page. Click on the assignment title to open it.

Step 2: Locate the Submission

Once inside the assignment, look for your submitted work. This will usually be displayed prominently. The exact appearance will vary depending on the assignment type (e.g., file upload, text entry, etc.).

Step 3: Initiate Deletion (This step varies based on the assignment type)

For file uploads: You'll usually see a button or link allowing you to delete the submitted file. This might be labelled "Delete," "Remove," or have a trash can icon. Click this option.

For text entry assignments: There is usually no direct "delete" button for text-based submissions. The best solution is to edit the submission and delete all the content. This will essentially result in an empty submission. Then, if you wish to resubmit the assignment you will need to add your response again.

For other assignment types: The method for deleting the submission will depend on the specific type of assignment. Look for buttons or options that allow you to remove or delete your submission.

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

Canvas will usually ask you to confirm that you want to delete your submission. Review the warning message carefully and click the button confirming deletion.

Step 5: Check for Deletion

After confirming, check your submission area to ensure the submission has been successfully deleted.

What Happens After Deletion?

After deleting a submission, your instructor will typically see a message indicating that you have deleted your work. It is good practice to communicate your reasons for deleting the assignment with your professor. This will help avoid any misunderstanding or issues with your grade.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Unable to find the delete option: If you can’t find a delete button, check the assignment instructions or contact your instructor for assistance. The availability of a delete option can depend on the instructor's settings.
Assignment is past the due date: The ability to delete a submission might be restricted after the due date. Check your course settings or ask your instructor.

Alternative to Deletion: Replacing your submission

Instead of deleting your work, you can often replace it with a newer, improved version. This keeps a record of your submission history and avoids any confusion. This is usually preferred over outright deletion, unless specifically instructed by your instructor to do so.

Remember, always double-check before deleting a Canvas submission, as this action is irreversible. If you have any doubts or concerns, contact your instructor or Canvas support for assistance. Understanding how to delete a submission on Canvas empowers you to manage your coursework efficiently.