Using Canva

Canva is a creative platform that enables users to develop beautiful flyers, posters, cards, etc. so that you can communicate your message more effectively!

A Canva account is 100% free. This smore provides a how-to guide to help you get started!

After creating a free account, you can select a design. You can either:

1. Select a template from the ribbon at the top of the home page.

OR

2. Select the green "Create A Design" button in the top left-hand corner.

If you choose the "Create A Design" button, the ribbon at the top of the page will open up into a larger menu. From there, you can select a template that fits your needs. Templates are labeled to help you decide on a layout!

For this example, I will select "postcard" in the top right corner.

After selecting a genre of templates (ex: postcard), you will see a blank template with suggested designs on the side bar. Choose the design you like best!

Note: not all of the designs are free, but many of them are. Double check the cost of the design by looking for the word "free" or a dollar sign in the bottom right corner of each design.

Once you choose a design, every aspect of the template can be altered to suit your needs!

To add your own pictures, select "upload" at the bottom of the sidebar in the far left column. You can select files from your computer or search the internet.

After uploading images, you can drag your uploaded photo onto your template and Canva will refit your image for your design!

All of the text can be replaced with your own as well. Simply click on the text and type your own message!

If you are creating a card, you likely want to add contents on the back or inside of the card. Scroll to the bottom of your screen. You should see the option "+ Add New Page". Select this option. You will have a blank template. You can select another design from here or create your own from scratch!

Canva will automatically save any changes you make to your project. Once you are finished, choose "download" in the top right corner of the page.

The highest quality files will be PNG. You also have the option to save your file as a PDF or JPG.

You can easily insert your image into a Word Document to print it. This way do not have to pay for prints through Canva.

Canva has a myriad of tutorials that will teach you to create your own cards, advertisements, etc.!

On your home page, the left sidebar has an option at the bottom to "Learn to design."

Selecting this option will take you to the tutorial home page. From here, choose "Start your first tutorial" to learn how to navigate Canva's many tools!

You can also watch the video below that gives you an overview of the basics.