content format

The Canvas Link Validator is a built-in tool that allows instructors to quickly scan an entire course for broken links, images, and files before publishing content to students. It is a proactive, automated audit tool that identifies issues in assignments, pages, and modules. How to Use the Link Validator

Navigate to Settings: Open your Canvas course and click Settings in the left-hand navigation menu.

Select Link Validator: On the right-hand sidebar, click the Validate Links in Content button. Start Validation: Click the Start Link Validation button.

Review the Report: Once the scan finishes, Canvas provides a report listing broken links, images, or unpublished content. Key Audit Capabilities

Identify Broken Links: Lists links that no longer exist or are broken.

Identify Broken Images: Identifies images that are not displaying correctly (missing or corrupted).

Locate Broken Links: Shows which page or content item holds the broken link.

Find Unpublished Content: Allows you to check if you have linked to content that is still unpublished.

Unreachable Links: Flags external websites that may be blocked or broken.

“The link validator is a really convenient way to make sure you’re not sending students to Broken links.”

YouTube · College of the Canyons Online Education · 4 years ago Fixing Broken Links

Click the Item: Click the title of the item with a broken link to open it directly. Edit the Item: Click Edit in the top right corner. Fix/Update the Link: Find the broken link and update it. Save: Click Save.

Rerun Validator: Return to the Link Validator page and run it again to confirm the fixes. Tips for Effective Audits

Check Before Publishing: Run this tool before publishing a course to reduce student frustration and improve engagement.

Watch for False Positives: Sometimes external links are marked as “unreachable” even if they work; verify them yourself if necessary.

Remove Old Links: Links that point back to a previous semester’s course shell are often flagged and should be updated. If you’d like, I can:

Tell you how to fix specific types of errors (e.g., broken images vs. broken links)

Give you tips on what to do when links to external websites are marked broken

Explain how to use this to check for broken links in the Canvas Module view

How do I validate links in a course? – Instructure Community