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Canvas - How do I use the inbox?
The Inbox is a way for you communicate with other Canvas users and is similar to email but resides in Canvas rather than Outlook. Conversations are available via the Inbox tab in the Global Navigation Bar on the left side of your screen. Your most recently received messages appear at the top, although you can change how your conversations are filtered. For example, you can look at messages specific to one course. You can send a message to your entire class or can search for recipients in a specific course, section, or group.
Resources for instructors
Navigating the inbox
- Canvas guide: How do I use the Inbox as an instructor?
- Canvas guide: How do I find my unread messages in the Inbox as an instructor?
- Canvas guide: How do I filter conversations as an instructor?
Messaging through the Canvas inbox
- Canvas guide: How do I send a message to all course users in the Inbox as an instructor?
- Canvas guide: How do I send a message to a user in a course in the Inbox as an instructor?
- Canvas guide: How do I send a message to a user in a group in the Inbox as an instructor?
- Canvas guide: How do I reply to a message in the Inbox as an instructor?
Resources for Students
Navigating the inbox
- Canvas guide: How do I use the Inbox as a student?
- Canvas guide: How do I find my unread messages in the Inbox as a student?
- Canvas guide: How do I filter conversations as a student?
Messaging through the Canvas inbox
- Canvas guide: How do I send a message to a user in a course in the Inbox as a student?
- Canvas guide: How do I reply to a message in the Inbox as a student?
- Canvas guide: How do I attach a file to a message as a student?
- Canvas guide: How do I delete a conversation as a student?
Tips and Tricks
- If you are attaching a file, it needs to be done within Canvas not through the notification in your email.
- Set up your notifications to specify how you are contacted if you are added to a conversation, receive a message in your inbox, or create a conversation.
- Select the Send an individual message to each recipient checkbox so students cannot see who else was included.
- You can attach files and media comments to messages you send.
- When part of a group conversation it is possible to respond privately to one individual.
- Conversations can be forwarded to other users.
- Conversations in your inbox can be deleted or archived. Note that you cannot archive sent messages.
- Instructors still have the ability to email their class roster from WINGS.
24/7/365 Canvas Support is available through the help icon in Canvas, by calling the phone support for faculty, staff and students or email us directly at canvas@uwlax.edu.