Record, upload, and edit media for Canvas LMS Assignments

This guide provides general advice and resources to help you get started with recording, editing and submitting a video or audio file for assessments.

There are a variety of reasons you may be asked to submit a video or audio file for assessment, including:

  • Recording and uploading a simple video to introduce yourself
  • Recording a video of your performance or a presentation
  • Providing a visual demonstration that you can perform a physical task or technique
  • Illustrating how you solved a problem using a screencast
  • Submitting a more complicated video, pitch, promo, or visual essay.
  • Depending on the type of submission that has been set-up by your instructor, you may elect to record and upload your media submissions differently.

Submission type: Text entry

Where text entry is allowed for submission, you can select EchoVideo from the apps section to either record or select existing media in your EchoVideo Library. For more information, visit our guide on submitting media to the LMS using EchoVideo. This guidance applies wherever the rich content editor is available, such as in Discussion boards.

Screenshot of an LMS assignment with “text entry” enabled as the submission type. At the top of the image, there is the assignment title followed by details. On the bottom of the image is the rich content editor with the Apps section highlighted.

Submission type: File upload

Where a submission has been set-up with a file upload, you can upload a file directly from your device into the LMS as a submission. Alternatively, by clicking on the More button, you can select Lecture Capture to either record or select existing media in your EchoVideo Library.

Screenshot of an LMS assignment with “file upload” enabled as the submission type. At the top of the image, there are buttons for Upload and More. Below these buttons, there are fields to drag-and-drop files in addition to buttons to upload a Webcam Photo or Canvas File.

Submission type: Media recording

Where a submission type is a media recording, you can record media directly from the LMS by clicking on Record Media. This will open a new window allowing you to record video and/or audio and then upload the recording as your submission. Alternatively, you can also click on Upload Media to upload a media file from your device.

Screenshot of an LMS assignment with “media recording” enabled as the submission type. On the left-side, there is a “Record Media” button. On the right-side, there is a “Upload Media” button.

EchoVideo: Create content

If you opt to use EchoVideo to record media, you can either select:

  1. Browser Capture: Create a capture using Browser Capture to record content directly from your device using your browser. More information can be found in EchoVideo’s guide on Browser Capture.
  2. Universal Capture: Create a capture using the Universal Capture, an application by EchoVideo for recording content from your device. More information on installing and selecting software capture can be found in our guide on Universal Capture.

Screenshot of EchoVideo’s options when accessed via the LMS. On the top, the title to “Choose existing content” is paired with a button to “Launch Media Picker”. In the middle and highlighted, the title “Create Content” is paired with buttons to “Launch Universal Capture” and “Launch Browser Capture”. On the bottom, the title “Upload Content” is paired with buttons to “Upload media” and “Upload Spherical Video (360°)”.

The University also provides guidance on how to record a video using equipment you might already have at home.

Uploading and editing content

You can also record videos using a personal device or via another software before uploading to the LMS as your submission. To support faster upload times, we recommend choosing:

  • File type: H.264/MP4 file
  • Frame rate: 25 frames per second
  • Frame size: Max. 1920x1080. If you have limited internet speed, try reducing the frame size to 1280x720 to reduce the file size.

Please refer to the University’s Software for Students library for information on alternative software available to students.

Using EchoVideo

You may also elect to upload media into your EchoVideo Library for storage or editing.

To upload a video file from your computer, log into EchoVideo and click the Upload button.

Please allow 1-2 hours to upload large video files. If you are having difficulty uploading your file, consider exporting the files in a different format or try a lower quality version. Once uploaded, media will also need to undergo processing before it can be edited.

For more information on editing, refer to the vendor’s guide on using EchoVideo’s media editor.

This guide was last updated 15 May 2026.

Submit an LMS support request for further assistance or to report any errors or omissions in this guide.