Create FREE Icons in Canva for Your Website (Tutorial)

Introduction

Designing a website can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to making it visually appealing. One effective way to elevate your website's aesthetics is by incorporating icons and illustrations. Instead of purchasing icon packs, you can create custom icons for free using Canva. This tutorial will guide you through the process of designing icons that suit your website's theme seamlessly.

Step 1: Set Up Your Design

1. Create Your Free Canva Account: If you don’t have one already, go to the Canva website and create a free account.

2. Custom Size: Once logged in, navigate to the “Create a design” button. Select “Custom size” and make sure to enter the same pixel dimensions for both width and height. A good starting point is 1000 pixels by 1000 pixels, which is usually large enough for web icons.

3. Start Designing: After creating your new design, you’ll see a blank canvas.

Step 2: Search for Icons

1. Find Icons in Elements: On the left sidebar, select “Elements.” In the search bar, type the type of icon you are looking for, such as “heart.”

2. See All Graphics: Click on “See all” under Graphics to view a wide range of styles. You will find various heart icons; ignore the animated ones if you're looking for static images.

3. Insert and Resize: Drag your chosen icon onto the canvas and resize it. Utilize the pink centering lines to ensure it is perfectly centered in the square.

4. Color Customization: Click on the icon and change the color by clicking the color square at the top. You can input your brand color codes for consistency.

Step 3: Duplicate and Create More Icons

1. Duplicate Shortcut: If you need additional icons in a similar style, simply click on “Duplicate” to create a new page while maintaining the same dimensions.

2. Search for Different Icons: Once on the new page, search for another icon, such as “bag” for a shopping cart representation. Use specific keywords to find icons that marry well with your previous designs.

3. Consistent Styling: Repeat the resizing and color customization process. Aim for similar outline thicknesses to maintain a consistent design style across all icons.

Step 4: Download Your Icons

1. Download as PNG: When you’re satisfied with your icons, click on the “Share” button and choose “Download.” Select PNG as the file format.

2. Enable Transparent Background: If you have a Canva Pro account, you can download icons with a transparent background, which is ideal for web use. If using the free version, you’ll need a workaround.

3. Using Remove.bg: After downloading, visit remove.bg to upload your PNG files. This tool will automatically remove the background. Note that if you use the free version, the image file size may be reduced to 500x500 pixels, but you can download the original size by signing up and crediting the service.

Final Touches

Once your icons are transparent and ready, you can upload them to your website, ensuring they match your site’s aesthetic. Canva offers a plethora of icons and illustrations, many of which are free. Be mindful that those with a little crown icon are for Pro users only.

If you're looking for more complex graphics instead of basic icons, try searching terms like “people working” to find richly detailed illustrations.

With this guide, you can easily create beautiful icons to enhance the design of your website without spending a dime. Happy designing!

Keyword

• Canva
• Icons
• Design
• Illustrations
• Transparent Background
• Website Aesthetics
• Custom Size
• PNG

FAQ

Q1: Can I create icons on Canva for free?
A1: Yes, you can create a variety of icons for free using Canva without needing to purchase any icon packs.

Q2: How do I ensure my icons are the same size?
A2: Use a custom size with equal width and height dimensions (e.g., 1000x1000 pixels) to maintain a uniform look for your icons.

Q3: Can I change the color of the icons?
A3: Yes, most icons in Canva allow you to change their colors to match your branding by using the color picker.

Q4: How do I remove the background from icons using the free version of Canva?
A4: You can download the icons as PNG files and then use remove.bg to remove the background for free.

Q5: What should I do if the icon I want is a Pro feature?
A5: If an icon has a crown icon, it requires a Pro subscription. You can either look for an alternative or consider signing up for the Pro plan.