Are you using Canva to design your files? The information below will help you create print-ready files.

When choosing Canva to create your print-ready files, you want to ensure they are set up correctly for the best print outcome. We have provided this step-by-step guide to designing a successful printed piece using Canva. We have chosen our trading cards as an example for use in this tutorial.

Canva is a great online alternative to programs like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. When designing in Canva for print, there are some limitations to keep in mind:

1. The free version of Canva can only create and save RGB files. Since we print with CMYK inks, our system will convert your colors to the closest CMYK builds when your files are uploaded to our site.

2. You must build your bleed into your document from the start.

The most important step in this process will be choosing the correct dimensions in Canva. The paid version of Canva lets you resize files, but the free version does not. You’ll want to create a new document and select 'Custom Size.' Depending on whether you are working on the desktop or web versions, this will look slightly different. However, both versions will allow you to select 'Custom Size'.

Click the '+ Create Design’ button and select 'Custom Size' in the dropdown menu.

From here, you’ll see your image size/dimensions on the right. Ensure 'inches' is selected, and then input the product size you are ordering with bleed. Most of our products require 0.125” to be added to the width and height to account for Bleed. In the below example, we are ordering a 2.5” x 3.5” Trading Card, so the size with bleed is 2.625” x 3.625”

Now that we have a document with the correct size, we can pull in our Trading Card template. We always recommend using our templates when creating files. You can grab the JPG version of the trading card template and place it into Canva.

Then, drag the template to the top left of the document and drag the bottom right corner of the template to the edge until it snaps into place.

Next, click on File > Show rulers and guides. From here, you can draw the guides by clicking on the rulers and dragging them to create a line. Be sure they align with the placed template. You can then delete the template, and the guides will remain.

*Keep in mind that the guides will not be embedded into your file and are only there to help you design your file.*

Now, you can start designing! Any colors that are added will be in RGB color mode, so they will appear brighter. When printed, colors will not be as vibrant as they appear on your screen. You can read more about the difference in our RGB > CMYK article. In this example, we picked bright blue and bright green.

Colors will be converted to CMYK when they are sent to production. Blue builds, in particular, can be tricky with online programs. We recommend you review the following article for more information about what we call Blurple.

Once your Design is complete, it’s time to download it! Click on 'Share' in the top right, and a drop-down will appear. Then click 'Download,' and you will see some options in the 'File Type' menu. You’ll want to select ‘Print PDF.’ If your Design has fonts or colors from Canva Pro, or there are placed images (like pictures), you can check the ‘Flatten PDF’ box. This will flatten your artwork and preserve the text and artwork, but this will also rasterize most of your artwork (convert it to pixels). We would only suggest saving this way for print files (front, back) and not mask files.

To retain the Vector file (shapes), you can download the file from this point without checking any boxes. Retaining a Vector file is important if you are ordering a product that requires a mask file. Our Design team may also need a vector file if you are enrolled in our typesetting program.

Downloading a Raster/Flat File

Downloading a Vector File

You have now created and downloaded a print-ready file from Canva and are ready to upload it to Primoprint. Once you’ve placed your order, our talented File Processors will review each of your files. If they see any issues with your Canva-created files, they will reach out before your order is sent to print.

It’s that simple! If you don't see the template you need on our site, please let us know. Please also note that a few items, like EDDM or Direct Mail, may require an extra step.

Do you have further questions or concerns about your Canva printing file? We’re here to help! Click here to contact us, or click the bubble in the bottom right corner to start a chat.