This guide will help you import quizzes from Microsoft Word into Copilot to be formatted for Canvas. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.
IMPORTANT: This conversion process works with text‑based questions only. Images, charts, diagrams, and other visual content are not supported at this time and may cause the conversion to fail.
Format Word Document
To ensure your quiz converts cleanly, format your Word document using the guidelines below:
- Use normal paragraph text only.
- Do not use images, tables, text boxes, columns, or SmartArt.
- Avoid headers, footers, and page numbers.
- Do not use track changes or comments.
Examples
IMPORTANT: Use one clear and consistent method to mark the correct answer. Choose one of the following and use it throughout the document:
Option 1
Include the correct answer on the line following the answer choices.
1. What is the capital of France?
- Berlin
- Paris
- Marseille
Answer: Paris
Option 2
Enter an asterisk to mark the correct answer directly in front of the answer text.
- What is the capital of France?
- Berlin
- *Paris
- Marseille
Upload to Copilot
- Log in to Copilot and start a new chat.
- Upload the Word document and add the prompt below.
NOTE: Copilot removes the bullets in your prompt window, but that's okay.
Convert the attached Word document into a Classic Canvas–importable QTI 1.2 ZIP quiz.
Content Rules (Strict):
- Do not change any wording, punctuation, or order from the Word document.
- Include all questions and answer choices exactly as written.
- Do not add explanations, feedback, notes, or commentary.
- Do not guess. If any correct answer is unclear, stop and ask before creating files.
- Output only the downloadable ZIP file and a brief success/failure confirmation.
Canvas QTI Requirements (Critical):
- Optimize specifically for Classic Canvas, not general IMS QTI compliance.
- Use ONLY legacy QTI 1.2 elements supported by Canvas Classic.
- Do NOT use any QTI 2.x elements (for example:
simpleChoice,assessmentItem,itemBody,responseDeclaration). - Implement multiple‑choice questions using
response_lid→render_choice→response_labelonly. - Set the correct answer using
varequalthat exactly matches theresponse_label ident. - Do not grade by visible text or A/B/C/D letters. Use identifiers only.
- Use
text/plainfor allmattextelements.
Package Structure:
- ZIP must contain
imsmanifest.xmland one QTI XML file. - QTI file must use
<questestinterop>with one<assessment>, one<section>, and one<item>per question. - When in doubt, choose Canvas Classic compatibility over specification completeness.
- Click the Download link to the file to save it to your default downloads location.

NOTE: Sometimes the quiz file is created, but the download link does not appear. If that happens, try again with this prompt:
“Regenerate the quiz ZIP file.”
Canvas
- Log in to Canvas and access the applicable course Home page.
- Click Import Existing Content.
- Select QTI .zip file from the Content Type drop‑down menu.
- Click Choose File, then select the QTI ZIP file you downloaded.
- Leave all other options at their default settings.
- Click Import.
NOTE: Canvas will process the file. This may take a few moments. - Go to the Quizzes tab and verify the questions and answers.
NOTE: Canvas is very picky about quiz formatting, and a file may not import correctly on the first attempt. If an import fails, go back to Copilot and use this exact prompt: “Regenerate the quiz ZIP file for Classic Canvas.”