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If you’re a Canva user, you know how time-consuming designing graphics can be. It’s not just about creating something that looks good, but also ensuring it’s on-brand and visually appealing. That’s where time-saving tips come in handy. With the right techniques, you can create stunning graphics in a fraction of the time.
In this article, we’ll share some of the best time-saving tips for Canva that will help you work smarter, not harder. Whether you’re new to Canva or you’re a seasoned pro, these tips will help you streamline your workflow and create graphics faster than ever before. From keyboard shortcuts to using templates, we’ve got you covered.
1. Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts can save you time and make designing in Canva more efficient. Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts:
| Action | Shortcut |
| Select everything | Command + A |
| Bold text | Command + B |
| Italicize text | Command + I |
| Underline text | Command + U |
| Group elements | Command + G |
| Ungroup elements | Command + Shift + G |
| Copy selected elements | Command + C |
| Paste copied elements | Command + V |
These are just a few of the many keyboard shortcuts available in Canva. Learning and using them can greatly improve your workflow and save you time.
2. Templates
Custom Templates
One of the best ways to save time while using Canva is to create your own custom templates. This is especially helpful if you frequently create designs with similar layouts, fonts, and colors. By creating a custom template, you can simply open it up and start designing, without having to spend time recreating the same elements over and over again. To create a custom template, start by designing a layout that you like. Once you have your design, click on “File” and then “Save as Template.” Give your template a name and save it to your account. Now, whenever you need to use this layout again, simply open up your custom template and start designing.
Using Canva’s Templates
Canva offers a wide variety of pre-designed templates that can save you time and effort when creating designs. These templates include everything from social media graphics to business cards to presentations.
To use a Canva template, simply click on “Templates” in the left-hand menu. From there, you can browse through the different categories of templates and select the one that best fits your needs. Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize it by changing the colors, fonts, and images to match your brand.
One of the great things about using Canva’s templates is that they are already optimized for the platform you are designing for. For example, if you select a social media template, the dimensions will already be set to the correct size for that platform.
This can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. In conclusion, whether you create your own custom templates or use Canva’s pre-designed templates, templates are a great way to save time and streamline your design process. By having a consistent layout and design elements, you can create professional-looking designs quickly and efficiently.
3. Design Elements
Design elements are the building blocks of any design project, and Canva provides a wide range of options to choose from. Here are some tips on how to use them effectively:
Using Shapes
Shapes are a versatile design element that can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used as backgrounds, borders, or as part of a larger design. Here are some tips for using shapes in Canva:
- Use the “Shapes” tool to find a wide variety of shapes to choose from.
- Change the color of the shape to match your design by using the “Fill” tool.
- Adjust the size of the shape by dragging the corners or using the “Size” tool.
- Combine shapes to create unique designs.
Using Icons
Icons are a great way to add visual interest to your design. They can be used to represent ideas, concepts, or objects. Here are some tips for using icons in Canva:
- Use the “Icons” tool to find a wide variety of icons to choose from.
- Change the color of the icon to match your design by using the “Fill” tool.
- Adjust the size of the icon by dragging the corners or using the “Size” tool.
- Combine icons with other design elements to create a cohesive design.
4. Using Photos
Photos are a powerful design element that can be used to convey emotion, tell a story, or showcase a product. Here are some tips for using photos in Canva:
- Use the “Photos” tool to find a wide variety of stock photos to choose from.
- Upload your own photos to use in your design.
- Adjust the size and position of the photo by using the “Size” and “Position” tools.
- Use filters and effects to enhance the photo and match your design.
5. Collaboration
If you’re working with a team, collaboration is key to getting things done efficiently. Here are some time-saving tips for collaborating on Canva:
- Use Canva’s team collaboration tools to streamline your creative workflows. With real-time visual collaboration tools, you can share ideas, visualize projects, and allow team members to work together seamlessly.
- Invite your team members to collaborate on designs by sharing a link or sending an email invitation. This way, everyone can work on the same project simultaneously, saving time and avoiding confusion.
- Use Canva’s commenting feature to leave feedback and suggestions for your team members. This way, you can communicate effectively and make sure everyone is on the same page.
- Use Canva’s brand kit feature to ensure that your team is using the correct colors, fonts, and logos in their designs. This way, you can maintain consistency and avoid wasting time fixing mistakes.
By using these collaboration tips, you can work more efficiently with your team and get more done in less time.
6. Exporting
Exporting as PDF
Exporting your Canva design as a PDF is a great way to ensure that your design looks the way you intended it to, no matter who opens it. Here’s how:
- Click the “Download” button at the top right of the screen.
- Select “PDF – Print” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose your preferred page size and orientation.
- Click the “Download” button and wait for the PDF to generate.
Once the PDF is generated, you can save it to your device and share it with others.
Exporting as PNG or JPEG
If you need to use your Canva design on a website or in a social media post, exporting it as a PNG or JPEG is a good option. Here’s how:
- Click the “Download” button at the top right of the screen.
- Select “PNG” or “JPEG” from the dropdown menu.
- Choose your preferred image size.
- Click the “Download” button and wait for the image to generate.
Once the image is generated, you can save it to your device and upload it to your website or social media platform.
Exporting your Canva design is easy and allows you to share your work with others. Whether you need a PDF for printing or a PNG or JPEG for digital use, Canva has you covered.
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide covering Canva time saving tips, useful! Be sure to check out our blog for more article covering the essential tips, tricks, and advice for Canva! Also, if you haven’t already tried CanvaPro, you can try it for free for 30 days!