Canva

User
Guide
Instructor: Informatics Team
 Day1:Introduction to
Canva and its key
features

Beginners Guide on How to Use Canva 2

Unit learning objective (1/2) UNIT 1

Learning objectives
 Navigating the Canva dashboard and workspace

 Exploring templates and customizing them

 Using Canva’s text, shapes, and images effectively

 Applying colors schemes, fonts, and brand elements

 Saving, exporting, and sharing designs in different formats

 Organizing projects and files with Canva folders

 Accessing and Sharing permissions

Beginners Guide on How to Use Ca nva Unit 1: Introduction 3

Canva UNIT 1

1. What’s Canva?

‣ Canva is an easy-to-use graphic

design platform that allows you to
create visual content, including social
media graphics, posters, flyers and
more. It is available to use in your
browser but also as an app on your
phone or iPad. After creating your
design, it can be downloaded as an
image file or PDF and immediately
shared or is ready to print.

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Canva

Navigating the Canva

dashboard
and workspace

Beginners Guide on How to Use Ca nva Unit 1: Introduction

 Canvas UNIT 1

1. Canva dashboard
1.1. Exploring Canvas Dashboard
After logging in, you’ll see the home dashboard with recommended templates and design ideas.
The search bar at the top helps you find templates, elements, and projects.

Search bar
(1)

Sidebar
(4)
Main Design (2)

Recent Design
(3)

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Canvas UNIT 1

1. Canva dashboard
1.1.1 Search Bar
Quickly search for templates, designs, or elements.
You can type keywords like "Instagram post," "Presentation," or "Business Card" to find relevant templates instantly.
It also allows you to search for specific design elements such as photos, graphics, icons, and videos.
If you're looking for something specific, you can filter results based on categories.
Search your own content and project.

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Canvas UNIT 1

1. Canva dashboard
1.1.2 Main Design Options (Top Section)
Doc –Whiteboard – A flexible space for brainstorming and planning. Create documents similar to
Google Docs.
Whiteboard – A flexible space for brainstorming and planning.
Presentation – Design slideshows for work, school, or meetings.
Social Media – Pre-sized templates for Instagram, Facebook, and more.
Video – Edit and create short or long-form videos.
Website – Build simple landing pages with Canva’s website templates.

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Canvas UNIT 1

1. Canva dashboard
1.1.3 Recent Designs (Middle Section)
The Recent Designs section in Canva helps you quickly access your most recently edited projects.
Found on the home dashboard, below the main design options.
Displays thumbnail previews of your last few edited designs for easy access.
Shows the design name, type, and last edited time (e.g., "Edited 2 months ago").

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Canvas UNIT 1

1. Canva dashboard
1.1.4 Left Sidebar

Create new project (Template, Poster, Doc...etc).

Home: Returns you to the main dashboard.
Projects: View saved and recent designs.
Templates: Browse pre-designed layouts.
Brand (Pro feature): Store brand colors, fonts, and logos.
Apps: Explore integrations and add-ons.
Dream Lab: Experimental features and AI tools.

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Canva

Using Canva’s text, shapes, and images

effectively

Beginners Guide on How to Use Ca nva Unit 1: Introduction

Text and Shape UNIT 1

1. Text and Shape

1.1. Custom blank size
Click "Custom size" in the left sidebar.
Enter your preferred dimensions (Pixels, Inches, or CM).
Click "Create new design."

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Text and Shape UNIT 1

1. Text and Shape

1.1. Custom blank size
Click "Uploads" in the left sidebar.
Click "Upload files" and select an image from your device.
Drag and place the uploaded image onto the canvas.
Resize and reposition it as needed.

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Text and Shape UNIT 1

1. Text and Shape

1.3. Add Text and Choose a Font
Click "Text" in the left sidebar.
Choose from: Add a heading (for titles), Add a subheading (for subtitles), Add a body text
(for descriptions)
Drag and place the text on your design.
Select a font style from the top toolbar.

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Text and Shape UNIT 1

1. Text and Shape

1.4. Edit Text (Customization & Styling)
Select the text box.
Change font size, color, and alignment.
Apply text effects (shadow, glow, curve).
Adjust letter spacing & line height for readability.

Beginners Guide on How to Use Ca nva Unit 1: Introduction 15

Canva

Exporting and Accessing Permissions

Beginners Guide on How to Use Ca nva Unit 1: Introduction

Permissions UNIT 1

1. Exporting
1.1. Downloading The Projects
In the top-right corner, click "Share".
Then, click "Download."

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Permissions UNIT 1

1. Exporting
1.1. Downloading the projects
Canva offers different file formats:
PNG (High-quality images, recommended for graphics)
JPG (Smaller file size, good for web use)
PDF Standard (Best for online documents)
PDF Print (Higher resolution for printing)
SVG (For Pro users, great for scalable graphics)
MP4 (For animated designs or videos)
GIF (For short animations)

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Permissions UNIT 1

2. Accessing and Sharing Permissions

2.1. Type of Sharing
In Canva, sharing and permissions allow you to control how others can interact with your designs.
Here's an overview:
Sharing a Design. Share Link: You can share a design with others via a link. You can choose
whether the link gives others permission to view or edit the design. Share via Email: You can
send the design directly to someone's email. Embedding: Canva also allows you to embed your
design on websites.

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Permissions UNIT 1

2. Accessing and Sharing Permissions

2.1. Type of Permissions
When sharing, you can set permissions for how others can interact with your design: Viewer:
Users can only view the design, they cannot make any changes. Editor: Users can make changes
to the design. Commenter: Users can leave comments but cannot edit the design itself.
Team Permissions: If you're working with a team in Canva, there are additional features: Owner:
Has full control over the account and its designs, including managing members and permissions.
Admin: Similar to the owner but without some of the account-related controls. Member:
Standard team member with access to shared designs and folders.

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Permissions UNIT 1

2. Accessing and Sharing Permissions

2.1. Share Via Link
Open your design in Canva. Click the "Share" button at the top-right corner of the screen.
In the "Share" window, click "Copy Link".
You will see options for viewing or editing: Viewer: The recipient can only view the design.
Editor: The recipient can edit the design. Choose the desired permission level, then click "Copy
Link".
Share the link with others by pasting it wherever you'd like (email, messages, etc.).

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Permissions UNIT 1

2. Accessing and Sharing Permissions

2.1. Share Via Link
Open your design in Canva. Click the "Share" button at the top-right corner of the screen.
In the "Share" window, select the "Email" option. Enter the email addresses of the people you want
to share the design with.
Choose the permission level (Viewer or Editor) for each recipient. Optionally, you can add a
message.
Enter email
Click "Send" to email the design directly. you want to
share with the
permissions

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Permissions UNIT 1

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