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Tips for Using Canva Designs

Tips for using Canva designs

Ready to print your Canva design? Follow the steps below to download it, check the finished file, then upload it to our site. Try these instructions first; if you get stuck, we are happy to help, although assistance may extend preparation time.

Option 1: Bitmap

  • PNG provides the option for a transparent background (not automatic, be sure you select this option when downloading).
  • JPEG is a flat image and will include the background regardless, even if it is just white.

Option 2: Vector

  • PDF is the preferred option.

Need help with a Pro-only step? You do not need Canva Pro to order. Most design and download options are available free; if an export step asks for Pro, stop and share your Canva link with us so we can help with that step. See how to share a Canva design. A PDF may contain vector artwork, bitmap images, or both; exporting a bitmap as PDF does not restore missing detail.

Bitmap: set the size before you download

Every part of a bitmap file is fixed and permanent the moment you download it, so sizing it correctly matters. If you are printing a 20 in × 20 in sign, for example, you must make the design 20 in × 20 in before you download.

  1. Click Resize.
  2. Click Custom size.
  3. Change the units to in (inches).
  4. Type the Width and Height you want to print.
  5. Click Copy & resize. This leaves your original as is and creates the copy you will download.
  6. Click the Share button.
  7. Click the Download button.
  8. For File type, select PNG.
  9. Drag the Size slider all the way to the right.
  10. For Quality, select High.
  11. Turn on Transparent background if you want one.
  12. Click Download.
Canva Resize panel with steps 1 to 5 marked: Resize, Custom size, Units, Width and Height, Copy and resize

Tap the picture to open it full size.

Canva Share panel with step 6 marked at the Share button and step 7 at the Download button

Tap the picture to open it full size.

Canva Download panel with steps 8 to 12 marked: File type PNG, Size slider, Quality High, Transparent background, Download

Tap the picture to open it full size.

Vector: download the PDF

  1. Click Share at the top right.
  2. Click Download.
  3. Select PDF from the File type drop-down menu.
  4. For Presets, select Print.
  5. Select RGB from the Color profile drop-down menu.
  6. Click Download.
Canva Share panel with step 1 marked at the Share button and step 2 at the Download button

Tap the picture to open it full size.

Canva Download panel with steps 3 to 6 marked: File type PDF, Presets Print, Color profile RGB, Download

Tap the picture to open it full size.

This applies only to designs built inside Canva. If you uploaded a finished picture into Canva, these download options do not change it; the file stays whatever it was when you uploaded it.