20 CANVA TIPS AND TRICKS // Canva Tutorial For Beginners

In this article, I will share with you 20 Canva tips, tricks, and hacks that you can apply today to become a better designer using Canva and make your workflow a whole lot smoother. My name is Aurelius, and on this channel, I share tips, tool reviews, and training to help you build and scale your digital business. If that interests you, be sure to hit that subscribe button below. Turn on notifications too so that you'll be the first to know about any new videos posted on this channel.

With that said, here are 20 tips, tricks, and hacks that I wish I knew when I started using Canva:

1. Selecting Layers

When working with multiple layers, selecting the middle layer can be challenging. If you're using a Mac, hold the command key; if you're on Windows, hold the ctrl key. Click on your mouse button to select the next layer behind.

2. Creating 3D Book Covers

Canva integrates with Smart Mockups, a tool which allows you to make flat ebook covers look more realistic. Save your design in Canva, go to smartmockups.com, sign in, and upload your Canva design.

3. Adding Shadow Effect to Text

Select the text, go to Effects, and choose Shadow. Adjust color, direction, angle, and transparency as needed.

4. Precision Movement

Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to move elements one pixel at a time. Hold the shift key to move 10 pixels at a time.

5. Adding Gradient Backgrounds

Go to Elements, search for Gradient, and select a square. Resize it to cover your background, then change colors from the top left. Use the flip or rotate options for different gradient directions.

6. Quick Add Text

Hit the ‘T’ button on your keyboard to quickly add text.

7. Using Brand Kit

If you use specific colors regularly, use Canva’s Brand Kit to store and apply them easily. Add colors from the Brand Kit by selecting the element and choosing from the newly added palette.

8. Dragging Files for Upload

Instead of using the upload button, simply drag files from your folder directly into Canva.

9. Duplicating Elements

Select an element, use Command D (Mac) or Control D (Windows) to duplicate. Alternatively, hold the option (Mac) or alt (Windows) key and drag the element.

10. Zooming In and Out

Use the command/control key and plus/minus keys, or scroll while holding command/control. Use the zoom percentage option for more precision.

11. Grouping Elements

Select multiple elements by holding the shift key and then click the group option. Ungroup by selecting any element and clicking ungroup.

12. Cropping Elements

Select the element, click Crop, adjust the selection rectangles, and click Done.

13. Filtering Free/Pro Elements

Filter elements based on free or pro options using the filter icon in the elements section.

14. Filtering by Color

Search for an element, choose the color filter, and select the desired color.

15. Hyperlinking Text

Select text, click on the link icon, enter the URL, and click Apply.

16. Using Templates

Save a design as a template and access it from the folders for future use. Click "Use this template" rather than "Edit original" to keep the template intact.

17. Perfect Alignment

Center text or elements by clicking Position, then choosing middle and center. Use the ruler under Show rulers.

18. Removing Backgrounds (Pro feature)

Select an image, go to Effects, and click on Background Remover. Wait a few seconds for the background removal.

19. Creating Stroke Effects

Duplicate an image, apply a white duotone effect, place it behind the original image, and resize/move for a stroke effect.

20. Using Frames

Search for frames in the elements section. Drag and drop your image onto the frame, and adjust as necessary by double-clicking the frame.

Keywords

Canva tips
Tricks
Hacks
Layers
Smart Mockups
Shadow effect
Gradient backgrounds
Brand Kit
Uploading files
Duplicating elements
Zooming
Grouping
Cropping
Filtering
Hyperlinking
Templates
Alignment
Background remover
Stroke effects
Frames

FAQ

What are some essential Canva tips for beginners?

Here are a few essential tips: select layers easily using command/ctrl keys, add text quickly by pressing 'T,' and use the Brand Kit for storing specific colors.

How can I make my ebook cover look more realistic in Canva?

Use the Smart Mockups integration in Canva. Save your design and upload it to smartmockups.com to create a 3D render of your cover.

How do I add a shadow to text in Canva?

Select the text, go to Effects, and choose Shadow. You can adjust the color, direction, angle, and transparency from there.

How do I crop elements in Canva?

Select the element, click on Crop, adjust the selection, and click Done.

Can I filter elements by color in Canva?

Yes, search for an element and then use the color filter to select the desired color.

How do I remove backgrounds using Canva?

Use the Background Remover feature under Effects. Note that this is a Canva Pro feature.

What are Canva frames and how do they work?

Frames allow you to placeholder images. Search for frames, drag and drop your image onto the frame, and adjust by double-clicking the frame.