Updated June 18, 2025

A Deep-Linked Assignment with Packback means that the assignment will be linked to your Canvas course, and your students can complete the assignment directly inside of Canvas rather than having to launch Packback in another tab or page. Deep-Linked Packback Assignments will be enabled at St. John’s effective July 8, 2025.


  1. Navigate to the Assignments page in your Canvas Course and click +Assignment

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  1. Scroll down to the Submission Type box and select External Tool

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  1. Click Find and then select “Packback”

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  1. A pop-up will appear on the screen. Select the assignment type, if applicable (Discussion or Writing Assignment)

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  1. Select an existing assignment. If one has not been created, Click +Create Assignment

    • Enter assignment details if creating a new assignment.

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  1. Click Select and Save

  2. Click Return to LMS

    • Please Note: On the “Configure External Tool” pop-up, there will be a link automatically populated in the URL box. Do not make any changes to that link.

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  1. Click Select to return to the assignment page.

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  1. Fill in any additional fields you wish to populate in Canvas for this assignment and click Save & Publish or Save

    • You should see the assignment title, description, and points value appear on this screen automatically.

    • Please Note: Canvas does not support deep linked due dates, which means if you create due dates in Packback, they will not automatically appear in Canvas. If you want the assignment to appear in the Canvas calendar or To Do list, you will need to add assignment dates to the Canvas assignment page.

      • If assignment dates are not added, students will always be able to click on the assignment link in the LMS. If the due date in Packback has passed, students will not be able to submit the assignment.

      • If you grant any students an extension or allow submissions after the due date, and you do add assignments dates in Canvas, be sure to extend the “End Date” in Canvas to ensure the assignment link remains clickable.

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  1. The assignment will now be listed in the Assignments area of the course. When the link is clicked, it will open to the assignment page in Packback.

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