Ally for Students

This articles explains to students how to access alternative formats of content within a Canvas course.

Ally is a tool embedded into your Canvas courses that gives you alternatives to download course files in a format that is best suited for how you like to learn. Alternate formats include readable text, pictures with captions, and audio files.

How to Access Alternative Formats

1. Within your Canvas modules or assignments, click on the file you want to view.

2. Click on the arrow to the right of the link to your file and choose “Alternative formats.”  

3. Read the description of each option and choose the format you need.

Download the file in your preferred alternative format.

Watch a quick video

What are some alternative formats useful for?
Alternative Format Description Use if
Audio Reads the text out loud. May include descriptions for images. This is saved as an MP3.
  • You have a lot of material to read and your eyes get tired
  • You can’t carry print materials for any length of time
BeeLine Reader Has options for changing the color of text and background.
  • You have a lot of material to read and your eyes get tired
  • You read a lot on screen and wish you could read more easily and quickly
  • You experience dyslexia, ADHD, or low vision
  • You have difficulty with visual tracking or focus
Electronic Braille

Creates a file that can be read on a refreshable Braille display, Braille reading devices, or Braille software.
  • You have a visual impairment
ePub

Creates a format that is supported by mobile devices and e-readers. Works with Apple, Android, Windows, and Linux apps.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark pages
  • You want to use text-to-speech
HTML Uses tags, blockquotes, paragraphs, and headings to provide structure and is viewed in a browser that adapts to your device. Designed for onscreen viewing and interaction.
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages
  • Your content has complex layouts
  • You want to use text-to-speech
Immersive Reader In a nutshell, Immersive Reader is an online alternative format that enhances the reading experience, increasing the readability of the content.
  • You want to learn spelling and grammar by splitting words into syllables
  • You want to highlight verbs, nouns, adjectives, and sub-clauses
  • You want to convert text-to-speech and translate content in real-time
ORCed PDF Creates a searchable text when the original content uploaded is a scannable PDF image. Helpful format if content is a scanned article or chapter.
  • You want to be able to copy, paste, and search text
  • You want to use text-to-speech and adjust the speed of the speech
  • You prefer to read or use a screen reader
Tagged PDF Uses tags, blockquotes, paragraphs, and headings to provide content structure and for improved use with assistive technology
  • You want to highlight content, take notes, and bookmark important pages
  • You want to use text-to-speech
Translated Version

Provides a machine-translated version of the original document in 50 different possible languages. Supports PDF, Word, PowerPoint,

and HTML documents.
  • You have a primary language other than English
  • You prefer to read in a language other than English

Watch a video