Moodle - Add File

What does the File resource do?

A Moodle file is an easy way to upload any type of file to Moodle for your students to download and access, with most common file formats supported. If a file is not supported by the user's web browser, then they may need the relevant software to view it. You can also use the file tool to embed videos.

Adding a File

Step 1

Before you can make any changes to your Moodle site content, you must first enable editing. To do this, click on the 'Edit mode' button located at the top right of the page.

Edit button activated in Moodle

Step 2

With editing enabled, you will see in each topic the following button:

Add an activity or resource button in Moodle

Step 3

Click the File icon from the list to add. You can find more information about files by clicking "Explore this tool".

Resource browser in Moodle, file highlighted

Step 4

Add a name for your file. You can also add a description and expected time of study here, but this is optional - the description will only display if you choose it to do so by clicking on "Display description on course page".

Name, description and expected study time fields in Moodle

Step 5

To attach a file to upload, click on the add icon to display the file picker. Alternatively, you can drag and drop your files into the file area below this.

File picker with add new file selected

Step 6

You can now choose where you want to upload your file from. As an example, we will use "upload a file" - click on "Choose file" to select your file and "Open" to attach it. You also have the option to rename the file here, add authors or choose a licence. When you are done, click "Upload this file".

File picker with upload file selected

Step 7

You should now see that your file has been added and is shown in the "Select files" area.

Files settings, with display (automatic) highlighted

Immediately below the Content section is the 'Appearance' section, which allows you to configure how the file will be displayed when selected.

The Display option has the following choices:

  • Automatic – the best display option for the file type is selected automatically

  • Embed – the file is displayed within the page below the navigation bar together with the file description and any blocks

  • Force download – the user is prompted to download the file

  • Open – only the file is displayed in the browser window

  • In pop-up – the file is displayed in a new browser window without menus or an address bar

How a file is displayed is down to personal preference, but for most cases we recommend leaving this setting at the default of Automatic.

Step 8

When you are finished, click on "Save and return to course" button.

Save and return to course button in Moodle