How to Attach a PDF File to Canvas Test & Open in LockDown Browser

When a test deploys the Respondus LockDown Browser (LDB,) students can’t access other applications when taking the test.   However, if the instructor wants to add a PDF file, it will open in a new window without blocking by LDB, so students can easily switch between the PDF file and test questions without issues.  The following instructions show you how to achieve this purpose.

1. Select the “Files” link on Course Navigation.
2. Select the “Upload” to upload a PDF file.
3. Right-click on the PDF file in the course file space and select “Copy link address.”
4. Go to the Test question and select the “+New Question.”
5. Select the “Text (no question).”
6. In RCE, click the link icon and select “External Link.”
7. Enter the information in the Text field.
8. Paste the step 3 URL to the Link field and delete the “download?downloa_frd=1” syntax.

Important: You must remove the download syntax; otherwise, it will force a download of the PDF instead of opening it in a second tab in the browser.  Then, LDB intentionally blocks downloads, so the result is typically a new blank tab.

9. Click “Done.”
10. Click “Update Question.”
11. Move this PDF file question before the first test question.
    
12. Scroll down to the end of the webpage and click “Save.”