Before you start creating, you'll need a free account and an idea of what sort of product you'd like to design (e.g., newsletter, poster, presentation, etc.).
2. To create an account, choose to either login with your Google account (recommended), or sign up via email. If you choose to sign in with Google, it will ask you for your Google (CSDDocs) username and password.
Choose your Design Type
The biggest differences between the different design types is size. Consider where you want to publish or share your creation (e.g., in a presentation, on a piece of paper, on Facebook, etc.), as this will help you determine the best size.
With the free version of Canva, you cannot resize your creations. As a result, taking a business card you've created, for example, and trying to print it as an 8.5 x 11 inch poster will end up too blurry.
Some common design types include:
Use your Canva dashboard to navigate the different design types available. Click on the one you want to use!
Your Turn!
Create a Canva account. Choose a design style to get started with a practice Canva design.
This page will introduce you to the basics of Canva design. Although you don't have to start with a template, it is a great way to get started with a layout and color scheme!
Choose a Template
Use the menu on the left to choose Templates. Once you identify the one you want, click on it. All visual components of a template can be deleted or changed.
Choose a Background
Use the menu on the left to choose Backgrounds. Choose a patterned or color background for your creation.
Add Elements
Use the menu on the left to choose Elements. Search for a particular element and scroll through until you find one you want. Click on it to add to your creation. Resize, or change the color of monocolor elements.
Add Text
Use the menu on the left to choose Text. Either click on the text at the top of the menu to add a heading, etc., or click on a pre-designed text template below. Size, color, and font can be changed!
Customize with the Toolbar
Whether you are editing an element, text, etc., use the toolbar to make changes.
Your Turn!
Choose a template for your practice Canva design. Then customize by changing the background, elements, and text.
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Canva has several options for publishing and sharing your design with others both digitally and in print.
Publishing Options
Download File Types
Your Turn!
Explore the "Present" and "Share link" publishing options. Next, download a version of your design (any file type). You may have to replace any premium elements you used with free elements in order to download at no cost.
Invite colleagues to collaborate on a design with you in much the same way you can with a file in Google Drive. Choose whether you want colleagues to view your design and offer feedback, or have permission to edit.
Option #1: Inviting Others
Note: While you can collaborate on designs in Canva, it is not like Google Docs where two people can be working simultaneously. Canva will warn you to wait if someone else is working on the document when you go to edit it.
Option #2: Sharing with Teams
Create Teams of people to work collaboratively on a Canva design that can be easily accessed from their dashboard.
Leaving Notes & Comments
This page will help you get started using Canva with students, including product ideas and how to instruct students to use Canva.
Students can create their own free Canva accounts by using the Google single sign-on button.
Canva for Education Accounts
While the free version of Canva is enough for student creation, Canva offers free Canva Pro access for classes of up to 30 students. To apply, click hereLinks to an external site.. You must be a certified teacher to apply.