> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nuvolos.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nuvolos.com/how-to-guides/workflows-for-instructors/distribute-to-prospective-students.md).

# Distribute teaching material

<mark style="color:$primary;">**Outcome**</mark>\
You distribute files, tables, or applications from your Master Instance to every student in the course - including students who join later.

<mark style="color:$primary;">**Before you start**</mark>

* You are a **Space Administrator** of the course.
* The objects you want to distribute exist in the Current state of the Master Instance.
* You have decided whether to create an Assignment from this distribution (or not).

Distribution sends teaching material to every instance in the course - both existing student instances and any instance created in the future via the Distributed Instance. For the conceptual model, see [Concepts › Snapshots, distribution, and states](/concepts/distribution.md).

#### Stage and distribute

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the course and the Master Instance.&#x20;

Make sure you are in the Current state.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the Files, Tables, or Applications view, select the items to distribute and click **STAGE** or **STAGE SELECTED**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
On the sidebar, click the share icon to open the Stage.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Review your staged objects.&#x20;

Recently used Applications are auto-added - you can remove them before continuing.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **CONTINUE**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
*Optionally save the list as a named bundle for future reference, or create an Assignment from it (see Setting assignments below).*
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Select the target - by default, all students (every existing Instance and every future Instance).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Optionally enable a notification email with a custom message, sent to students on completion.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Choose the distribution strategy.&#x20;

Overwrite is the default and almost always the correct choice.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Review the list of items being shared.&#x20;

Note that distributing large applications can take several minutes.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click **SHARE OBJECTS**.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Selecting a folder adds the entire file tree recursively. If you stage only a sub-folder, the folder structure above it is created so paths match across all student Instances.
{% endhint %}

For the full distribution mechanic, including all four distribution strategies (Overwrite, Distribute Extra, Mirror, Skip), see [Reference › Configuration](/reference/configuration.md).