Use an import file to add or update learner grades and create grade items in Grades. Importing can save time when you manage grades in an external application, have already planned your grade book in a spreadsheet, or need to create several grade items at once.
Grades imported for assignment and discussion grade items are also synchronized to Assignments and Discussions as published feedback.
If you only need to create a few grade items, refer to Create, delete, and restore grade categories and items.
Before you begin
- Set up your grade book and review its grading system and structure before preparing the import file.
- Confirm that you have permission to import grades in the course.
- Use a CSV, TSV, or TXT file. If your grade book is in Microsoft Excel format, save or export it to one of the supported formats before importing it.
- Decide whether Brightspace should create grade items that do not already exist in your grade book.
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Tip: Start with an exported file or the sample CSV from Brightspace. This helps ensure that the column headings and file structure match the required import format. |
Prepare the import file
You can download a sample CSV file as a starting point.
- From your course navbar, click Grades.
- On the Enter Grades page, click Import.
- Click Grades_Sample_Import_File.csv and choose a location to save the file if prompted.
- Update the file with your learner and grading information. Use the following fields as needed.
Required and supported import fields
| Field |
Purpose |
Example |
|---|
OrgDefinedID
|
Identifies the learner by the unique number assigned by your organization. Include OrgDefinedID, Username, or both. |
20067930 |
Username
|
Identifies the learner by their unique Brightspace username. Include Username, OrgDefinedID, or both. |
Frank.Catcher |
Points Grade
|
Imports values for Numeric and Pass/Fail grade items. Use the exact grade item name followed by Points Grade, such as Midterm Points Grade. |
44 |
Grade Symbol
|
Imports a grade scheme symbol for a Select box grade item. Use the exact grade item name followed by Grade Symbol, such as Participation Grade Symbol. The symbol must already exist in the grade scheme assigned to the item. |
Very Good |
Text Grade
|
Imports text for a Text grade item. Use the exact grade item name followed by Text Grade, such as Attendance Text Grade. Text grade items do not contribute to final grade calculations. |
Perfect Attendance! |
Adjusted Final Grade Numerator
|
Imports the points a learner achieved for the Final Adjusted Grade. To import a percentage, enter the percentage value without the percent sign and use 100 as the denominator. |
84 |
Adjusted Final Grade Denominator
|
Imports the total possible points used to calculate the Final Adjusted Grade. |
100 |
End-of-Line Indicator
|
Marks the end of each row. The last column must use this heading, and each learner row must contain a pound sign (#). |
# |
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Note:
- Use the learner identifier recommended by your organization. If your organization uses OrgDefinedID as its stable SIS identifier, prefer it over Username.
- Use the exact name of an existing grade item in its column heading. If the name does not match, Brightspace may identify the column as a new grade item.
- If there are multiple grade items with the exact same name, Brightspace will reject your file. Brightspace uses the exact name to match with what is provided in the file, to prevent an unwanted change from occurring, all grade item names provided using import need to be unique.
- Do not include columns after the End-of-Line Indicator.
- Do not include unsupported fields such as learner first names, email addresses, or weighted grade columns.
- For large classes, import only the grade items or learners that need to be updated and, when possible, filter the import by group or section.
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Import grades and grade items
- From your course navbar, click Grades.
- On the Enter Grades page, click Import.
- Under Import File, click Choose File.
- Locate your import file and click Open.
- To create grade items for columns that do not match items in your grade book, select Create new grade item when an unrecognized item is referenced.
- Click Continue.
Brightspace matches the columns in your file to existing grade items. When a column matches an existing item, the grades are imported into that item. Unrecognized columns are displayed for review.
Create unrecognized grade items during import
If your file contains grade item names that Brightspace does not recognize, you can create those items as part of the import.
- On the unrecognized items page, select the Create New Grade Item check box beside each item you want to create.
- Select the appropriate grade item Type.
- Click Continue.
- Configure the available properties for each new grade item, including Category, Maximum Points, Weight, Can Exceed, Bonus, and Grade Scheme.
- Click Continue.
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Note: If an imported grade exceeds the maximum value for a grade item, Brightspace caps it at the maximum unless Can Exceed is enabled for that item.
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Review and complete the import
- Review any errors or warnings identified by Brightspace.
- Correct errors before continuing. Fields with errors are not imported.
- Click Continue.
- On the Preview Import page, review the grades and grade items that will be imported.
- Click Import.
- After the Imported successfully message appears, review the import results and return to the Enter Grades page.
Troubleshoot import issues
The import file cannot be read
In some locales, spreadsheet applications save CSV files using semicolons instead of commas. Brightspace requires commas as the delimiter for CSV files.
- Open the CSV file in a plain text editor.
- Replace semicolons with commas.
- Save the file.
- Try the import again.
Column headings are not recognized
Check that each grade item column uses the exact grade item name and the required suffix, such as Points Grade, Grade Symbol, or Text Grade.
If a heading does not match an existing grade item, Brightspace may identify it as a new item.
Learners are not recognized
Verify that the Username or OrgDefinedID in each row matches a learner enrolled in the course. Rows for unrecognized learners are skipped.
The file contains trailing commas or blank columns
Extra commas or hidden columns after the End-of-Line Indicator can prevent the file from importing.
- Open the file in a plain text editor.
- Check the end of each row.
- Remove any extra commas or blank columns after the pound sign (#).
- Save the file and try the import again.
The import does not complete
If your course contains a very large number of grade items, for example 2,000 or more, the import process may not complete even when you are importing grades for only a few learners. Reduce the number of grade items in the course where possible, or contact your administrator or D2L Support for assistance.
A grade item type cannot be imported
Brightspace supports grade imports for the following grade item types:
- Numeric
- Pass/Fail
- Select box
- Text
- Final Adjusted Grade
Formula and Calculated grade items, including the Final Calculated Grade, are not supported for import. Only the Final Adjusted Grade can be imported.