Connect Gradescope Assignments in Canvas

Quick Links: | Prerequisites | Instructions | Troubleshooting | Next Steps |

Introduction

Connecting Gradescope to your Canvas course lets you create linked assignments, sync your roster, grade more efficiently, and push scores directly into the Canvas Gradebook. This setup removes duplicate work and keeps grades and access aligned between systems. You’ll create the assignment in Canvas, link it to a Gradescope assessment, sync your roster, and publish so students can access it.

Prerequisites

• You are enrolled in the Canvas course with the Instructor role.

• Gradescope is enabled in the course navigation (Course Settings > Navigation).

• You have a Gradescope account tied to your Chico State email (it will be auto-created the first time you launch from Canvas if needed).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create and link a Gradescope assignment

To connect Gradescope to Canvas and enable grade sync, do the following:

1. Create the assignment container in Canvas.

   • In your Canvas course, select Assignments.

   • Select + Assignment.

   • Enter an assignment name and points.

   • In Submission Type, select External Tool.

   • Select Find, then choose Gradescope.

   • (Optional) Check Load this tool in a new tab if you prefer a full window.

   • Select Select, then Save (do not publish yet).

2. Link the Canvas assignment to a Gradescope assessment.

   • On the saved Canvas assignment, select Load [Assignment Name] (or use the embedded window).

   • If prompted, choose Link to a new Gradescope Course, then select Link Course.

   • In the Gradescope dialog, choose A new Gradescope Assignment.

   • Pick an assignment type (e.g., Homework, Exam/Quiz, Bubble Sheet) and select Next.

   • Enter or confirm assignment details, then select Create Assignment.

3. Sync your roster and publish the Canvas assignment.

   • In your Gradescope course sidebar, select Roster.

   • Select Sync Canvas Roster.

   • (Optional) Uncheck “Let new users know…” if you do not want to email students now.

   • Select Sync Roster.

   • In Canvas, open Assignments and toggle Publish (green check) for the assignment.

4. Grade in Gradescope and post scores to Canvas.

   • In Gradescope, grade submissions as usual.

   • From the sidebar, select Review Grades.

   • Select Post Grades to Canvas, confirm the linked Canvas assignment, then select Post Grades.

   • Wait for the “Grades successfully posted to Canvas” confirmation.

When you finish these steps, your Canvas assignment is linked to a Gradescope assessment, your students are synced, and grades posted in Gradescope flow into the Canvas Gradebook.

Troubleshooting

• “Access Denied” or login mismatch: Verify the email on your Canvas account matches your Gradescope account. If they differ, contact support to merge the accounts.

• Students cannot see the assignment:

  • Confirm the Canvas assignment is Published.

  • Check the Gradescope Release Date; if it’s in the future, students won’t see it yet.

• Grades not syncing: Ensure each submission in Gradescope has a score; ungraded items typically do not transfer.

• For additional help, refer to Gradescope's Canvas integration guide

Next Steps (Optional)