To create student groups, you must first create a group set. In Canvas each student group belongs to one and only one group set. A student can only be part of one group per group set. Current group sets are available as tabs on the People page.

Create a group set

Click People in the course menu and then the +Group set button.

Enter a name for your group set. Preferably something that describes both the course and what the groups will be used for. The group set name followed by a number will be used as the name for each group.
Check the Allow self sign-up box.
Enter the number of groups students should be able to choose from.
Limit the number of students who can join the same group.

Screenshot showing settings for creating a group set with self sign-up enabled.

Students select a group themselves

When the groups have been created all students will be listed in the unassigned list. It is now up to each student to visit the People page and select a group to join. Student guides on groups are available on IT Helpdesk.

If you are using self sign-up groups for a group assignment, you are advised to turn off the self sign-up option once the assignment has started. Otherwise, students an swap group during the assignment. You turn of self sign-up from the three dots on the top right.

Animation showing how to turn off self sign-up for a group set.

Warning!

With self sign-up turned on, students can leave or switch groups at any time. Even after submissions have been made in a group assignment.

Managing groups and memberships

Once you have created your group set you can edit the groups and student memberships, regardless of whether self sign-up is turned off or not. Students can be reassigned using drag and drop and groups can be edited or deleted using the three dots next to the group name.

Additional groups are added using the +Group button.

Animation showing how to manage groups and memberships.

Warning!

If a group set is used for a group assignment, it is recommended to not move students between groups after submissions. As that can mess up which submitted document is displayed for what group.