HOW TO START WITH CANVA FOR NEWBIES
You stopped here because you would like to know how to start with Canva for newbies.
So, I believe if you are reading this blog post, you already made an account on Canva.com! And now what?
What do you do? how do you start? Â
Today, I wanted to walk through this with you.
So, let’s get right into how to start with Canva for newbies.Â
Â
1- CANVA - THE BASIC
So, the first thing you will see when signing up on your account is “home”.
Each home will be different from one another since Canva loves to share what’s appropriate to your liking.
If you are using the free version on Canva, don’t mind what’s on the side in the home section.Â
Things like “Brand kit, content planning and team” are Canva Pro only.
So, how to start with Canva?
My best advice is to forget the fluff.
You are in Canva to make some quick and easy designs.
So, I suggest you start directly by creating a design in the top right corner.
When you do so, you will be asked to choose between the suggested size.
For example, do you want to make an Instagram Post? a Youtube Thumbnail? It’s already premade for you.
If you do not see the size in the premade template, you can always custom your size or even start by adding a picture from your computer.
2- CANVA - THE EDIT PROCESS
Once you chose your canvas size, you will be brought to another window.
This is where the editing process beginning.
So, what are all of those things on the side?
Â
Template
So, in this example, I chose an Instagram Post.
Canva will share with me some pre-made Instagram posts made by other designers.
Some are free and some are for Pro Canva users only.
If you decide to use one of the free templates, select it!
You can make it your own by changing colors, fonts, and any kind of pictures/elements.
Elements
So, elements are by far my favorite.
If you haven’t chosen a template and want to make a design from scratch, you can start with the elements.
Elements regroup:
- Lines and shapes
- GraphicsÂ
- Photos and videos stock
- Audio
- Charts
- Frame
- Grids
To bring an element to your canvas simply drag and drop!
Some of those elements are free, some are for Canva Pro users only.
Uploads
So, this one is pretty self-explanatory!
This is where you can upload your own images and videos.
You have the ability to start recording yourself right into the app!
Texts
Need some texts in your design? no problem!
Canva offers a lot of free fonts to use.Â
You will even have access to pre-made font combinations.
So, same as the elements, drag and drop into your design.
3- QUICK CANVA TIPS
Before you get on your designs, I wanted to leave you with some quick tips for editing.
1- Everything you will add to your canvas will be editable. This means you will be able to change colors, fonts, shapes, and more.
2- Positions: when you click on your image or text or element. You can position it forward or backward.
3- Animations: You can add animations to your design. It is possible to animate the entire page or only a couple of elements.
Â
If you wish to learn more about Canva, there is a couple of really cool classes on Skillshare! Give it a try.
Thank you so much for reading about how to start with Canva for newbies.
Before you leave, you might be interested in reading about the tools and software I use as a Graphic Designer.
See you back here soon
Justine Lamer