Moodle: Selective Import

Selective Import allows instructors and TAs (excluding Non-Editing Instructors) to import selected content from one Moodle course into another on the same site. This process is similar to copying and pasting and does not create a backup file.

Simple Restore is best suited for initially populating a course with content, whereas Selective Import is designed for making minor modifications.

Simple Restore offers two modes: overwriting course content or adding all content from a backup file, with due dates updated to match the new course’s timeline. Since this method is unavailable when grades are present (to prevent accidental data loss or duplication), Selective Import provides a safer alternative by allowing you to import only specific items without modifying existing content or due dates.

How to Selectively Import Materials from Other Moodle Courses:

1. Log in to Moodle and open the course where you want to import content. 
    
2. Click the Admin button in the top-right corner, then select Selective Import from the menu.

3. Course selection: Select the course from which you would like to import content and click Continue. If the course does not appear in the list of choices, use the Search function to find the correct course.

NOTE:  You must have instructor or TA access in both the source and destination courses to import content.

4. Initial settings: Choose which activities, blocks, and filters to import. In most cases, it's best to deselect Include groups and groupings to prevent importing empty groups into your course. If you plan to import quizzes, make sure to select Include question bank. Once done, click Next.
   Tip: If you are importing the entire course and the default settings meet your needs, click Jump to final step to skip the remaining steps and perform the import.

5. Schema settings: The next page will list the content items available for import. Select the items you want to include, then click Next. (Importing large files may take several minutes.)

NOTE:  Moodle will only import the content items that have a check next to them.  By default, ALL items are checked. You must manually uncheck the items that you DO NOT WANT to import. If you only want to import a single or small number of content items, you can select None at the top of the menu to deselect all items. Then you can select only the item or items you wish to import.

6. Confirmation and review: A summary page will display the content selected for import. Verify that the correct items have been selected, then click Perform Import. The process may take time if importing a large number of items. 
    
7. Complete: Once complete, click Continue to return to your course.

NOTE:  If any sections (topics/weeks) are missing after the import, you may need to add sections manually for the content to appear. Click Create a new section at the bottom of the existing sections.