Hey there! Are you just starting out with Canva and feeling a little lost? Don't worry, you're not alone! Canva is an amazing tool, but it can seem overwhelming at first.
I'm Pam, and I'm here to show you how to easily maneuver around Canva so you can start creating awesome designs today! Let's jump right in!
Getting Started: The Canva Home Page
So, let's start with the main home page. I'm gonna be honest, I don't use this page much. I usually go straight to my project page. But, it's still important to know what's here, especially when you are just beginning your Canva journey.
Why You Might Not Use It (But Should Know It)
Like I said, I prefer my project page. It's just easier for me to manage everything from there. However, the home page is a great place for new users to explore different design options and discover what Canva has to offer. Think of it as your Canva launchpad.
The Search Bar: Your Canva Key
Okay, first things first. Always know where the search bar is! It's your key to finding everything in Canva.
- Location: It's in the top right corner. You can't miss it!
- Functionality: You can search for templates and pretty much anything else in Canva.
Let's say you're looking for journal templates. Just type “journal” into the search bar. Canva will show you your designs, brand templates, and all the Canva templates related to journals.
How to Use It:
- Type in keywords that describe what you're looking for. And listen to this: Name your designs using words that you'll actually search for later!
- Filter the results to see Canva templates or your own content.
- Use the categories to narrow down your search.
Canva Home Page -Quick Access Icons: Design Shortcuts
On the front page, you'll see a bunch of little icons. These are shortcuts to different design types:
- Instagram Post: Need an Instagram graphic? This takes you straight to the right size.
- Facebook Post: Same as above, but for Facebook.
- Doc: This is where it gets interesting. A Doc is like creating a PDF. I use it to create reports, checklists, and even ebooks for my membership. It's super versatile!
- Whiteboard: Think of this as your digital planning space. You can use it for mood boards, calendars, site maps… anything you want to plan out visually.
- Presentation: Time to make a slideshow! Teachers, students, course creators – this is for you.
- Print: Want to make Valentine's cards or business cards? This section has templates for those and even clothing designs! Remember, use these for inspiration, not for selling as is.
- Website: Did you know you can create simple websites in Canva? It's great for sharing freebies or trip photos. Just link out to other platforms like PayPal for transactions.
- Custom Size: If you need a specific size, this is where you create it.
- Upload: You can even upload PDFs! Just double-check the formatting afterward.
Left-Hand Navigation: Your Canva Control Panel
Now, let's head over to the left side of the Home Page. This is where you'll find your control panel.
Create a Design
This button does the same thing as those quick access icons on the home page. It gives you a bunch of design types to choose from, plus the option to create a custom size.
Starred Items
This is where you can save your favorite templates and folders. I star the folders that I use every week and my to-do list so I can quickly access them.
Projects
This is the central hub for all your stuff: your designs, folders, images, videos, everything! This is why I bookmark this page. It's way less chaotic than the home page.
Templates
Need some inspiration? Browse through Canva's pre-designed templates. They're organized by category, and Canva will even suggest templates based on your last design. Plus, you can find templates for upcoming events and trending topics.
Remember, it's okay to use these templates for inspiration. But don't just turn around and sell them. Someone else created that!
Brand (Pro Feature)
Okay, this is one of the biggest reasons to get Canva Pro. With a Brand Kit, you can save your logos, colors, and fonts in one place. I have different brand kits for different products.
You can also create brand templates for designs you use frequently. This saves me so much time! And if you have a team, you can set brand controls to keep everyone on the same page.
Apps
Canva has apps? Oh yeah, tons! These apps let you connect Canva to other services.
There are apps for social media, image editing, and even connecting to your Google Drive.
Canva Dream Studio (Pro Feature)
This is a newer feature that lets you generate images using AI. You can create custom backgrounds and patterns for your designs. If you have Canva Pro, you get 500 credits a month to use Dream Studio.
Trash
Oops! Deleted something by accident? Don't worry, it's in the trash. Canva automatically deletes things after 30 days, but you can always go in and recover them before then.
Home Page Top Navigation: Settings and Account Management
Alright, let's move up to the top of the screen.
Settings
Click on the settings icon to manage your profile, login details, and linked social accounts. You can also adjust your app integrations, team settings, and accessibility options (like light or dark mode).
This is also where you'll find your billing information, permissions, usage reports, and security settings.
Notifications
The notification bell keeps you updated on team messages, reminders, and comments.
Account Switching
If you're on multiple Canva teams (maybe you're a VA like me!), you can quickly switch between them here. You can also invite new members to your team.
Help Center and Resources
Click the question mark icon for access to Canva's blog, design school, events, and help center. There are tons of resources here for teachers, new businesses, and anyone who wants to improve their design skills.
In-Design Features: Helpful Tools While You Create
Now, let's talk about some helpful tools you can use while you're actually creating a design.
Notes
You can add notes to your projects to keep track of keywords and other important information.
Ask Canva (Bottom Right)
Stuck on something? Click the “Ask Canva” button in the bottom right corner- it is the ROUND CIRCLE with the QUESTION MARK inside. This will open an AI-powered assistant that can answer your design questions.
Quick Actions (Bottom Left)
The “Quick Actions” button in the bottom left corner provides access to several helpful tools, such as searching for graphics, adding text, and matching photos to your design.
Getting Extra Help from Canva
- Ask Canva Button (Homepage): Quick access to the AI assistant.
- Help Center: Accessing Canva's comprehensive knowledge base.
DID this help?
There you have it! A beginner's guide to navigating Canva. I hope this has helped you feel a little less overwhelmed and a little more confident.
Now it's time to get in there and explore! Try out different features, play with templates, and see what you can create.
Want more Canva tips and tricks? Join my Facebook group, Pam's Canva Creations!
For a more personalized experience, check out my memberships:
- The Template Treehouse is perfect for anyone who wants to sell printables but doesn't have the time to create them from scratch.
- The Clubhouse is designed for creators who want to enhance their Canva skills.
And don't forget to grab your 30-day Canva Pro trial to unlock even more features! You can also get access to a FREE Course too!
TOOLS I USE!
- My Platform (the heart of my business) SUBTRIO (Try for 30 days for FREE)
- Email- I use Subtrio but also recommend Mailerlite or Flodesk
- Helps me write my BLOG POSTS- Right Blogger
- The Best Hosting service I ever had- BigScoots
- Where I get my domains NameCheap
- I learned how to CREATE an online business- The Passive Income Pathways aka Sadie Smiley (PIPs) is where to start- if you are serious about making money online then sign up for LITE: Blog to Membership Formula.
Here are some Facebook Groups to join to help with your Business Growth
- Passive Income Sadie Smiley– learn how blogging can turn into $$ by adding products, courses, and membership
- Teachers Pay Teachers with Beth Ann– Want to Create Educational Printables and SELL THEM!
- Digital Planners with Samantha Stringer Interested in creating Digital Planners?
- WP Basics Guide | WordPress for Beginners Diane will walk you through WP/Kadence.
- Build Digital Product with Amanda Learn how to sell on ETSY
