Check for existing copies of course files
A new course upload can trigger a Dropbox search for a matching name, helping you notice existing copies before they spread.
Trigger
New Canvas File Upload
Polls a Canvas course for new file uploads.
Action
Search File or Folder
Tool to search for files and folders in dropbox. use when you need to find an item by name or content, optionally within a specific path or with other filters, and paginate through results. example: search for 'report.docx' in the '/finance' folder.
Why this helps
Repeated course uploads can create confusing duplicate versions across storage locations.
- Spot likely matching files in Dropbox sooner.
- Reduce confusion from duplicate course materials.
- Keep a human review step for uncertain matches.
Setup
Build it in a few focused steps.
- 1Connect Canvas and Dropbox once in the Notis portal.
- 2Create an automation in Automations, New Automation, or tell Notis what you want from any channel.
- 3Ask Notis to search Dropbox for each newly uploaded course file by its available name and report likely matches for review.
- 4Pick the New Canvas File Upload trigger and choose where run reports should go.
- 5Test with one real file upload.
Questions about this workflow
Will it delete duplicate files?
No. This workflow searches and reports potential matches for you to review.
Can it compare file contents?
The search can use the available Dropbox search capability. Content comparison beyond returned search results should not be assumed.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Supported Triggers and Actions
Notis builds workflows that link Canvas to Dropbox. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.
Canvas triggers
Dropbox actions
Recurring trigger
Notis starts this workflow on a schedule, such as daily, weekly, or during business hours.
Create file request
Tool to create a new file request in dropbox. use when you need to request files from others by generating a unique link for uploads to a specified dropbox folder, optionally with a deadline.
Webhook trigger
Notis starts this workflow when an external tool or custom backend sends an HTTP request.
Create folder
Tool to create a new folder at a specified path in dropbox. use when you need to organize files by creating a new directory. requires the 'files.content.write' scope.
Canvas Assignment Graded
Polls Canvas for newly graded submissions for a specific assignment.
Create paper document
Creates a new dropbox paper document at the specified path using html or markdown content.
New Canvas Assignment Submission
Polls Canvas for new submissions to a specific assignment.
Delete file or folder
Permanently deletes the file or folder at the specified path in dropbox. use when you need to remove a specific file or folder. requires the `files.content.write` scope.
New Canvas Discussion Message
Polls Canvas discussion topics for new messages.
Get about me
Tool to get information about the current user's dropbox account. use when you need to retrieve account details like email, name, or account type.
New Canvas Discussion Topic
Polls a Canvas course for new discussion topics.
List files in folder
Tool to list files and folders in a specified dropbox directory. use when you need to see the contents of a folder, including subfolders if recursive is true.
New Course Created for User
Polls Canvas for newly created courses for a specific user.
List folder contents
Retrieves a list of folders, files, and deleted entries from a specified dropbox path.
New Canvas File Upload
Polls a Canvas course for new file uploads.
Move file or folder
Move file or folder
Connect any two apps with Notis in the middle.
Canvas and Dropbox, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
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No card. Works with personal or business Dropbox.