> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.timelygrader.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.timelygrader.ai/user-guides-get-started-here/assignments.md).

# Setting up assignments

Create or import the assignment, set what students can submit, and customize settings to your liking.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2F2fxvIUk6kO5NV6YbNqZ3%2Farticle-banner.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Before you start

* Remember which LMS assignment you will be using TimelyGrader for grading.&#x20;
* TimelyGrader Assignments are tied to the LMS Assignments page. Quizzes will need to be imported via the TimelyGrader Quizzes page.
* You will also need a rubric! Don't have one? We got you covered with our Rubric Generator.

## Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Import your Assignment

On the Assignments page, click on Import to bring an assignment across from your LMS with its name, description/instructions, and rubric. If you like to create an orphaned Assignment, click on Create instead.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FMjRQUKMI9wd7ZqfajvC6%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.07.39%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=40bba3c0-26d7-43f1-b12a-fee1cb1fde55" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
TimelyGrader Assignments are tied only to the Assignments (Dropboxes) on your LMS.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Once you've imported, customization time!

There are a lot of controls for Assignments. You can customize to your heart's content but many are optional. We will go through them from a basic level here.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you already have previous Assignments set up, you can use the Import button here to import those settings.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FmicQVC9ztukSkrPbzeww%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.21.57%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=ede60e47-ace7-4a55-9946-a844f4d376e1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Description & Settings

You will find the only two mandatory items which are Assignment Description and Rubric. \
\
You will also be able to tell TimelyGrader what to expect in terms of student submissions and change the citation format.&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FORySV3b4rNFoTsoKDL4q%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.13.47%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=fffa02d7-4cd2-4743-af21-38853bf94477" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Grading Settings

You can add Additional Instructions to help TimelyGrader interpret the rubric like you. General Grading Instructions influence how we interpret the rubric as a whole. Criterion-specific ones affect only the criterion.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FbGYvximzc5MLxzL0OwVz%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.24.36%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=901910a9-0a42-4352-a1a3-c9797e4f0132" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Feedback Settings

You can make changes to the feedback structure, tone, language level, and instructions for feedback generation.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FAo6gQMA95JP15oZHNTdr%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.25.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=7bbb21b9-089f-4aed-96e6-f0563a5d47db" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %} <img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2Fms2lmbcFJs7XOGunUDRn%2Fhugo-head.svg?alt=media" alt="Hugo" data-size="line"> **Hugo’s tip:** This controls the *structure* of the feedback. If you need to control the *content* of the feedback, you will need to first adjust the grading because grading rationale influences what feedback is provided.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Formative Feedback Settings

Controls if students will get access to the Assignment to get instant feedback and all the settings that goes with that, if enabled.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FubSIqXzw1AkD1BANuOSq%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.27.01%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=c80dac64-1562-4ccb-9d4b-6e51d42e4b9d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Inline Comment Settings

Controls how inline comments are created, similar to settings on the feedback page.

<figure><img src="https://3711328535-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FVTk0635Lo8R5owJx3bPK%2Fuploads%2FvBQfgm4CNQJdSVcFd7Op%2FScreenshot%202026-10-13%20at%2011.27.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?alt=media&amp;token=d4823168-6b2d-48a8-97de-b7f55d9d701c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary>Start Reviewing is disabled.</summary>

No submissions have been imported yet. Use Import Additional Submissions on the assignment page, or wait for students to submit.

</details>

<details>

<summary>I can’t find the editor.</summary>

Click Edit at the top of the assignment page. The page itself is read-only so you can check what students see.

</details>

<details>

<summary>The imported due date is wrong.</summary>

Dates come from your LMS. Change them there and the next sync brings them across.

</details>

## FAQ

<details>

<summary>Does Duplicate copy submissions?</summary>

No. It copies the description, rubric and settings. The copy starts with no submissions.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I change the submission type after students submit?</summary>

You can, but work already submitted is read as it was. Change it before publishing where possible.

</details>

## Related articles

* [Importing submissions from your LMS](/canvas-support-articles/assignments/import-submissions.md)
* [Writing a description and editing a rubric](/canvas-support-articles/assignments/creating-rubrics.md)
* [Managing submissions](broken://pages/uiYsrFnUjkGTHyekuLpE)