Canvas Inbox

Canvas Inbox is a messaging tool within Canvas that allows instructors and students to communicate directly through the platform. It works much like an email system but is integrated within the Canvas environment. You can use it to send and receive messages related to course content, assignments, and general inquiries.

To use Canvas Inbox:

1. Open your course in Canvas.

2. Go to “Inbox” on the left-side menu bar (vertical gray menu).

3. Click on the "Compose a new message" button on the upper right side of the screen.
 

4. In the opening tab, select the course to which you are going to send the message, select the student(s), type a title for your message, and write the body of the message in the field provided.

5. You can also attach any files or media recordings to your message by clicking on the two buttons at the lower left corner.

6. Click on the “Send” button when you’re done. 

Customize Notifications

• Inbox Message View: Messages will appear in your Inbox, sorted by most recent. You can view and reply to messages from this interface.
• Notification Customization: Recipients can customize their notification settings to control whether and how they receive Canvas messages in their email. This is done in the "Notifications" section under their "Account" settings.
• Inbox-Only Messages: If the recipients have disabled email notifications or configured their settings not to receive emails for messages, they will only see the message in their Canvas Inbox.
• Email Copy of your Message: If you want to receive a copy of your message in your email immediately:
  1. Go to “Account” on the left-side menu (vertical gray menu).
  2. Go to “Notifications”.
  3. On the Notifications page, you’ll see a list of various notification types. Find the section for "Conversations". This covers messages sent and received in Canvas Inbox.
  4. Click on the bell in front of "Conversations Created By Me" under your email column and select "Notify Immediately". This option ensures you receive an email notification right away when you send or receive a message.