Skip to Content

Canva This Element Can’t Be Edited (Solution)

Canva This Element Can’t Be Edited (Solution)

Canva Templates is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more


Canva is a popular graphic design platform that allows users to create stunning designs for various purposes. However, sometimes users may encounter an issue where they can’t edit a specific element in their design. This can be frustrating, especially when the design is time-sensitive.

There are several reasons why an element in Canva can’t be edited. One reason may be that the element is locked. To unlock the element, users can click on the element and select the unlock or unlock position icon from the floating toolbar. Another reason may be that the user doesn’t have the appropriate permission to edit the design. In this case, they should ask the owner of the design to re-share it with them with the appropriate access.

If you’re experiencing this issue in Canva, don’t worry. There are several solutions that can help you get back to editing your design in no time. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why an element in Canva can’t be edited and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix the issue. We’ll also share some tips and tricks to help you avoid this issue in the future.

Related Posts:

Understanding Canva Elements

Canva is a powerful graphic design tool that offers a wide variety of elements to choose from. Elements are the building blocks of a design in Canva, and they come in various forms such as shapes, icons, illustrations, photos, and more.

Each element in Canva has its own set of properties that can be edited. Some elements, such as shapes and lines, can be resized, rotated, and recolored. Other elements, such as icons and illustrations, can be customized by changing their color, size, and style.

However, there are some elements in Canva that cannot be edited. These elements are usually images that have been uploaded to Canva. When an image is uploaded to Canva, it is saved as a static image file, and its properties cannot be edited.

It is important to keep in mind that not all elements in Canva are created equal. Some elements are more customizable than others, and some elements cannot be edited at all. Understanding the properties and limitations of each element in Canva is key to creating a successful design.

Related Posts:

Why Some Elements Can’t Be Edited

Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that allows users to create a wide range of visual content, including social media posts, presentations, and marketing materials. However, sometimes users may encounter elements that cannot be edited.

One reason why some elements cannot be edited is that they are locked. Users can lock an element by selecting it and clicking on the “Lock” button in the editor toolbar. This is useful for preventing accidental changes to an element’s position or size. However, it also means that the element cannot be edited until it is unlocked.

Another reason why some elements cannot be edited is that they are part of an image. Canva allows users to upload their own images, and many of the templates use images with text already on them. If the text is part of an image, it cannot be edited directly. However, users can add a new text box over the image and type in their own text.

Finally, some elements may be part of a design that has been shared with the user with limited access. If the user’s permission is set to “View” or “Comment” instead of “Edit,” they will not be able to make changes to the design. In this case, the owner of the design needs to re-share it with the user and select “Can edit” as their access.

Related Posts:

Identifying Non-Editable Elements

When working on a design project in Canva, it’s important to know which elements can be edited and which ones cannot. This will save time and frustration when trying to make changes to your design. Here are some tips for identifying non-editable elements in Canva:

  • Locked Elements: If an element is locked, it cannot be edited. To check if an element is locked, simply click on it. If the lock icon appears on the toolbar, then it is locked. To unlock it, click on the lock icon and select “Unlock.”

  • Premium Elements: Canva offers a wide range of premium elements that can be added to your designs. However, not all of these elements are editable. If an element is premium and cannot be edited, it will be indicated by a small padlock icon in the bottom right corner of the element.

  • Backgrounds: Backgrounds in Canva are not editable. If you want to change the background of your design, you will need to select a new background from the “Backgrounds” tab.

  • Text on Images: If you have added text to an image in Canva, the text cannot be edited separately from the image. This means that if you want to change the text, you will need to delete the existing text and add new text.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can easily identify non-editable elements in Canva and avoid wasting time trying to make changes to elements that cannot be edited.

Workarounds for Non-Editable Elements

When dealing with non-editable elements in Canva, there are a few workarounds that users can try. Here are some of them:

  • Download and Edit as Image: One way to make changes to non-editable elements is to download the design as an image file and then edit it in a separate program such as Photoshop or GIMP. This workaround can be time-consuming, but it allows users to have more control over their designs.

  • Use Duplicate and Edit: Another workaround is to duplicate the design and then edit the duplicated version. This method allows users to keep the original design intact while making changes to the duplicated version. However, this only works if the non-editable element is not a background image.

  • Create a New Design: If all else fails, users can create a new design from scratch. This may be the most time-consuming workaround, but it allows users to have complete control over their designs.

It’s important to note that these workarounds may not work for all non-editable elements. For example, if the non-editable element is a locked text box, users may need to ask the owner of the design to unlock it or create a new text box and re-enter the text.

Overall, while non-editable elements can be frustrating, there are workarounds that users can try to make changes to their designs.

Common Issues and Solutions

Canva is a powerful graphic design tool that is used by millions of people worldwide. Despite its popularity, users may encounter issues while using the platform. Here are some of the most common issues users face while using Canva and their solutions:

1. Unable to Edit Text
One of the most common issues users face while using Canva is when they are unable to edit text. This issue can be caused by several factors, including locked elements, lack of permissions, or the presence of a locked text box. To fix this issue, users should check if the element is locked or if they have the necessary permissions to edit it. If the text box is locked, users can unlock it by clicking on the lock icon and then editing the text.

2. Canva Print Order Issues
Another common issue that users face while using Canva is with their Canva print order. Users may face issues such as additional tax charges, the inability to print their design, or blurry and pixelated prints. To fix these issues, users can contact Canva’s customer support team, who will help them resolve the issue.

3. Can’t Edit a Design
If a user is trying to edit a design in Canva and sees the message “Why can’t I edit in Canva?,” it means that the design is not editable. This could be because it is a template or because the person who created the design has made it uneditable. To fix this issue, users can create a copy of the design and then edit the copy.

In conclusion, while Canva is an excellent tool for graphic design, users may encounter issues while using the platform. By following the solutions provided above, users can easily fix these issues and continue using Canva to create stunning designs.

Preventing Editing Issues

When working with Canva, it’s important to prevent editing issues to ensure a smooth and efficient design process. Here are some tips to help avoid common editing issues:

1. Check Editing Permissions

One of the most common reasons why an element can’t be edited is because the user doesn’t have the appropriate editing permissions. If a user only has view or comment access to a design, they won’t be able to edit any of the elements within that design. To fix this, the user should contact the owner of the design and request editing access.

2. Lock Elements

Another way to prevent editing issues is to lock elements that don’t need to be edited. By locking certain elements, users won’t accidentally move or delete them, which can cause issues with the overall design. To lock an element, simply click on it and select “Lock” from the editor toolbar.

3. Use Canva Templates

Canva offers a wide range of templates that are designed to be easily edited. By using these templates, users can avoid issues with editing elements that are not meant to be edited. Templates can be found by clicking on the “Templates” tab in the left-hand menu.

4. Check for Images with Text

If a user is having trouble editing text within a design, it’s possible that the text is part of an image. Canva allows users to upload their own images, and many of the templates use images with text already on them. If the text is part of an image, it won’t be possible to edit it directly.

By following these tips, users can prevent editing issues and ensure a smooth and efficient design process.