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Know which Canvas quiz settings to change, and what each one does

Time limits, answer shuffling, attempt rules and access codes all change how a quiz runs. Learn what each option does, then generate questions from your own course material.

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Choosing canvas quiz settings that match the purpose of the quiz

Most instructors meet canvas quiz settings the first time a quiz feels off: a time limit cuts students short, or answer choices appear in the same order for everyone. Each option changes how a quiz runs, so it helps to know what each one does before you publish.

Use a time limit for recall checks and leave it off for open-ended practice.
Turn on shuffled answers so students do not see the same choice order.
Match allowed attempts to whether the quiz is formative or graded.
Use an access code when you need a quick control over who starts the quiz.

Example Canvas quiz settings practice questions

Which Canvas quiz setting randomizes the order of answer choices for each student?Shuffle Answers. It changes the choice order per student, which makes it harder to pass answers along.

What does the Lock questions after answering setting do in a Canvas quiz?It stops students from returning to change a response after they move on, which keeps each answer as first given.

What happens when a Canvas quiz time limit runs out?The attempt is submitted automatically with the answers saved so far, so students should know the limit before they start.

Why would an instructor allow multiple attempts on a Canvas quiz?Multiple attempts suit formative practice, and a score rule such as highest or latest keeps grades aligned with the quiz purpose.

What is an access code in Canvas quiz settings?It is a password students must enter before starting, which controls who can begin the quiz during a set session.

Generate the full set

Plain-language setting guide

Each common Canvas quiz option is explained by what it does for students, so you can choose on purpose instead of guessing.

Questions from your own material

Upload slides, notes or a PDF and get multiple-choice, true/false or open questions with explanations to place in your quiz.

Export when you need it

Download questions as PDF or DOCX on paid plans. QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML export are included on the Pro plan.

How it works

Upload your course material

Add a PDF, DOCX, slide deck, plain notes or a photo of a page. Text in images is read with text recognition.

Pick the question types

Choose multiple-choice, true/false or short answer questions, and review the explanations before using them.

Set the quiz options in Canvas

Apply time limit, shuffling, attempts and access code settings that match the purpose of the quiz, then publish.

A practice quiz usually suits multiple attempts with no tight time limit, while a graded check on recall may work better with a time limit and shuffled answers. Settings like one question at a time and locked answers add pacing and reduce looking back at earlier items.

Good questions matter as much as the settings. Generate a first draft from your readings, check each item against your learning objectives, and then adjust the quiz options to fit the stakes.

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Frequently asked questions

How many questions should a Canvas quiz include?

There is no fixed number. Base the count on the time limit you set and the difficulty of the material, and make sure each question maps to a learning objective.

Should I set a time limit on a Canvas quiz?

A time limit suits recall-based checks. Application or open-book questions often work better without one, so decide based on what the quiz is meant to measure.

Can I export generated questions for Canvas?

PDF and DOCX export are available on paid plans. QTI 2.1 and Moodle XML export are on the Pro plan at $14.99 per month, so check your LMS import format first.

Is there a free plan?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 generations per month and browser study, but no exports. You do not need a credit card to start.

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