How to copy resources and activities between Moodle spaces

Published on: 18/09/2023 · Last updated on: 02/09/2024

Importing

The Import function produces similar results to the backup and restore procedure, however if there is no need to keep a separate backup file, then this method may be the quicker option. 

The main difference between the two methods is that the import function will not allow you to import user data (such as the scores associated with a particular quiz or a student’s contribution to a forum), whereas backup/restore will.

Import wizard

The process will involve navigating the Import wizard.

Step 1

• Go to the Moodle space that you want to import content into.
• Click the More tab.
• Select Course reuse from the drop-down menu.
• You will be redirected to the Import page. You should see ‘Import’ selected in the drop-down menu near the top of the page.
• Select the Moodle space that contains the material you wish to import. You may have to use the search box to find the space.
• Click the Continue button.

Step 2

• Select the backup settings you require. It can be helpful to deselect the ‘include blocks’ option as this can sometimes trigger an error.
• Click the Next button.

You do not need to select all items, just those which you would like to copy over.

Step 3

• Select the content or resources you want to copy over.
• Click the Next button.

As in the previous step, you do not need to select all items, just those you would like to copy over.

Step 4

• A confirmation screen appears.
• Review your settings and click the Perform import button. The import may take a few minutes – depending on the amount of data being imported.

Step 5

• A confirmation message will appear when the process has been completed.
• Click the Continue button to return to the space (which will now contain additional the imported material).

The location of imported material will reflect its location in the Moodle space from which it has been copied.  E.g. if the content was originally located in topic 5, it will appear in topic 5 when imported. If you can’t see the copied material after importing it may be because there’s a difference in the number of topics. You can add topics to the destination space to reveal the imported material, then move it as needed (and delete any topics that are not required).