How to Add Canvas Assignments to Google Calendar
Get all your Canvas deadlines synced to Google Calendar with automatic reminders—including assignments that don't show in Canvas Calendar.
Quick Answer:
You can sync Canvas assignments to Google Calendar by downloading your syllabus from Canvas, uploading it to CourseLink (free), and clicking 'Export to Google Calendar.' This captures ALL assignments—including ones professors add to the syllabus but not to Canvas.
Why Canvas Calendar Isn't Enough
If you've tried using Canvas's built-in calendar, you've probably noticed its limitations. While Canvas does show assignments that professors add to the system, many instructors only put assignments in the syllabus PDF—not in the Canvas assignment tool. This means Canvas Calendar shows an incomplete picture of your deadlines. You end up checking multiple places: Canvas, your syllabus PDFs, email announcements, and maybe a paper planner. Information fragmentation is the #1 reason students miss deadlines.
The Canvas Calendar Problem
Canvas Calendar only displays assignments that instructors create using Canvas's assignment tool. But many professors—especially those who've been teaching for years—simply upload a syllabus PDF with all the due dates and never touch Canvas's assignment feature. Your Canvas Calendar ends up missing critical deadlines.
The CourseLink Solution
CourseLink reads your actual syllabus document and extracts ALL assignments—whether or not they're in Canvas. This means you get a complete picture of your semester from day one, synced directly to Google Calendar where you'll actually see it.
Step-by-Step: Canvas to Google Calendar
Here's exactly how to get your Canvas assignments into Google Calendar using CourseLink: **Step 1: Download Your Syllabus from Canvas** Log into Canvas, navigate to your course, and find the syllabus. Most professors upload it as a PDF in the Syllabus section or under Files. Download it to your device. **Step 2: Create a CourseLink Account** Sign up for free at courselink.org. No credit card required for the 7-day trial. **Step 3: Upload Your Syllabus** Click "Upload Syllabus" and drag your PDF into the upload zone. Our AI will analyze the document in about 10-30 seconds. **Step 4: Review Extracted Assignments** You'll see a list of all assignments, exams, and due dates we found. Review them and make any corrections—though our AI is 95% accurate on most syllabi. **Step 5: Sync to Google Calendar** Click "Export to Calendar" and choose Google Calendar. Authorize the connection, and all your assignments will appear in Google Calendar with their due dates. **Step 6: Set Up Notifications** In Google Calendar, you can set default reminders for events. Many students set a reminder for 1 day before and 2 hours before each deadline.
Advanced Tips for Canvas Users
Once you've set up CourseLink with your Canvas syllabi, here are some power-user tips: **Combine Multiple Courses** Upload syllabi from all your courses. CourseLink color-codes each class so you can see at a glance which course each assignment belongs to. **Use Workload View** CourseLink's workload analyzer shows you which weeks are busiest. This helps you identify "danger weeks" where multiple exams or papers overlap—so you can start preparing early. **Share with Study Groups** Generate a calendar link to share with classmates. Everyone can subscribe to the same calendar to coordinate study sessions. **Track Progress** As you complete assignments, mark them done in CourseLink. You'll see your completion rate and can focus on what's still outstanding.
CourseLink vs Canvas Calendar
| Feature | CourseLink | Canvas Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| Shows syllabus-only assignments | — | |
| Syncs to Google Calendar | Manual export | |
| Mobile push notifications | — | |
| Workload visualization | — | |
| Works across all courses | ||
| AI assignment extraction | — |
Why Students Choose CourseLink
Works with Any Canvas Course
Upload syllabi from any Canvas course—we support all formats including PDF, Word, and images.
Automatic Date Extraction
Our AI finds assignment titles, due dates, and even grade weights from your syllabus.
One-Click Google Sync
Export directly to Google Calendar. All assignments appear with proper due dates and reminders.
Includes Time Estimates
We estimate how long each assignment will take so you can plan your study time.
Works Alongside Canvas
CourseLink doesn't replace Canvas—it makes it easier to see all your deadlines in one place.
Mobile Notifications
Get push notifications on your phone before assignments are due.
Get Started in 30 Seconds
Upload Syllabus
Drop your PDF, image, or paste text
AI Extracts Dates
Our AI finds all assignments and deadlines
Sync to Calendar
Export to Google, Apple, or Outlook
Common Questions Students Ask
"How do I add Canvas assignments to my Google Calendar?"
"Can I sync Canvas with Google Calendar?"
"How to export Canvas calendar to iPhone?"
"Why don't all my Canvas assignments show in the calendar?"
"Best way to track Canvas deadlines on my phone"
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just use Canvas Calendar?
Canvas Calendar only shows assignments from Canvas. CourseLink shows ALL your deadlines across all courses—including assignments your professors add to the syllabus but not to Canvas. Plus, you can sync to Google Calendar for notifications on your phone.
Does CourseLink connect directly to Canvas?
Not directly—we work by importing your syllabus documents. This means we can extract assignments that professors put in the syllabus but forget to add to Canvas. Download your syllabus PDF from Canvas and upload it to CourseLink.
What if Canvas updates an assignment?
You can manually update assignments in CourseLink, or re-upload an updated syllabus. Many students find that the initial syllabus import covers 90%+ of assignments for the semester.
Is this free for students?
Yes! Start your 7-day free trial with full access to all features including unlimited syllabus uploads and Google Calendar sync.
How accurate is the AI extraction?
Our AI correctly extracts assignments 95% of the time. You can review and edit any assignments before syncing to your calendar.
Can I export to Apple Calendar too?
Absolutely! CourseLink syncs with Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Outlook, and any calendar app that supports .ics files.