Brightspace: Upload or Add Files

Overview

This article explains how to upload files to Brightspace, either within a content unit or to any page that uses the Brightspace text editor.

Instructions

Before adding a file to Brightspace, you must first create a Unit. For details on how to create a module, please click here.

Upload Files into a Module
  1. Find the Unit/Lesson/Folder that you want to upload files into.
  2. Click on "Add Existing".  Find the rectangular box that says "Drag and drop files or browse."
  3. Then drag and drop the files from your computer into that rectangular box.
    animated gif showing how to upload files into brightspace
Upload Files to Any Place where there is a Brightspace Text Editor Toolbar
  1. In the Brightspace Text Editor Toolbar, click on the Insert Stuff icon.

    red arrow pointing to insert stuff icon
  2. Click "My Computer."

  3. Either click "Upload" to find your file OR drag and drop your file onto the rectangular box.  Then, click "Upload" at the bottom of the screen.

    red arrow point to upload button
  4. If you want, you can customize file name as it will appear for your students by entering text in the "Link Text" field. 

    If you do not enter text in the "Link Text" field, the file name will as a long string of characters.
    For example, in the picture below, if the "Link Text" field is left blank, the file name will show to students as "/content/enforced/6921-adesai06_sandbox2/Week 1 Reading.docx."
    entering text in the link text field


    To make it easier for students to read, enter "Week 1 Reading" in the "Link Text" field.  Then, click "Insert."

    entering text in the link text field
     
  5.  The document is added to the text editor.  Click "Save and Close."

    clicking save and close after adding file into text editor

 

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Link documents from your Microsoft OneDrive account (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc...) into your Brightspace course - within Modules, on a Brightspace Page, in Assignments, in Quizzes, in Discussion Boards, etc...You can also collaborate on OneDrive documents (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) with your students in Brightspace.

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D2L-Brightspace will be Villanova University's new learning management system (LMS) for all courses starting with the Summer 2026 semester and can be accessed at brightspace.villanova.edu. D2L-Brightspace allows faculty and students to access course content, complete learning activities such as assignments & quizzes, provide grades & feedback, as well as offer additional modern, innovative learning technologies to use in courses.