We talked here about how Canva was a great tool to get started with if you need some sleek, modern graphics to add to your next project. Once you've mastered those simple steps, use the tips and tricks below to help you grow your skills.
Creating Multiple Pages
One of the more exciting features of Canva is that you can create multiple files inside one document. Do that by using the "Add a new page" button at the bottom.
*Pro Tip* In the free version of Canva, all the images in a file must be the same size. To unlock resizing, you will need the Premium Version.
Editing Images
The handle bars on the graphics will let you resize them. If you want to crop it to a different shape, you will need to use the straight lines on the sides of the image rather than the dots on the corners.
To change the colors of any clip art, look at the top left of the editor area. There should be a box with the current color of the object. Click it to open a list of different colors. *Protip* This is also how you change the background color of your work space so it isn’t all white.
To change the order of graphics, use the position button in the top right of the work area.
To change the transparency of graphics, use the pixelated box in the top right of the work area, next to the position button. A great use for this tool is to create a solid colored box, overlay it on top of a picture, and then adjust the transparency of the colored box. It instantly adds a filter on top of your photo!
Adding and editing text
Look on the far left of your screen at the different tabs. There is one labeled text. Click it to open the text menu.
In our beginner post, we recommend you stick to the top three options. But underneath are a wide variety of text blocks. The fonts and size ratios have already been set for you to easily drop and add into your design. There are a couple of tips and tricks to keep in mind about these:
The different pieces of text are "Grouped" together.
To change the size of your text box using the bars on the outside of the box. You cannot change the shape of your text box while all the pieces are grouped together.
Ungrouping is easy - use the button in the top right corner.
Once you ungroup the text boxes, they will no longer move on the page as one unit. You will have to move them one at a time.
To change the order of text on the page, use the position button in the top right of the work area.
Changing the background
If you want to change the background from white to a different solid color, click on the current background of the work area. In the top left corner of the work area will be a box that looks like a color wheel. Click that and select the background color you would like to use.
If you would like to use a photo or a texture as a background, look to the far left of your screen at the different tabs. There is one labeled Background. Click it to open the menu.
Select the photo you would like to use.
Using the tools at the top of the work area, you can adjust the photo filter (Filter), lighting and color (Adjust), and physical placement (Crop).
Using your own photos
Look to the far left of your screen at the different tabs. There is one called Uploads. Click it to open the upload menu.
Use the blue “Upload an image” button to get started. Use it to select a photo off the hard drive of your computer.
Once the photo has finished loading, click it to add it to your work area. The adjustment tools are the same as they are for other graphics.
Pro Tip - Using templates
Go to the “Elements” tab on the far left of your screen. In the section called “Grids,” you will find a variety of photo grids that are preassembled for collages.
To use these, click the grid to add it to your work area.
Add the photo using the directions above.
Click and drag the image into the box on the grid. The image should snap into the open container.
Use the adjust and crop tools at the top of the work area to make sure your image tools great and is lined up properly.
Create!
Like most things, the more you use Canva, the better you will become at it. Looking for help with a specific feature? Have a great project that you've created using Canva? Comment below!
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