How to Edit Your Template in Canva
Every template we sell is built in Canva, which is free and runs in your browser. This page walks through the whole process. If you would rather watch than read, the video tutorials cover the same ground.
Watch the Canva video tutorials
Opening your template
- Open the PDF you downloaded after purchase. It contains your template link.
- Make sure you are logged in to Canva first. If you click the link while logged out, Canva will ask you to sign in and the link sometimes does not carry through.
- Click the link. Canva opens a page saying a template has been shared with you.
- Click Use template. A personal copy lands in your account under Projects.
The copy is yours. The original stays untouched, so if you make a mess of it you can click the link again and start fresh.
Editing text
Click once on any text to select the box. Click again, or double click, to put the cursor inside it. Then type over what is there.
To change the font, select the text and use the font dropdown in the toolbar at the top. To change the size, use the number next to it. If your text no longer fits after editing, drag the corner handles of the text box to make it wider, or drop the font size by a point or two.
Keeping the layout intact
Text boxes are positioned deliberately. If you drag one by accident, press Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on a Mac) to undo. Canva also shows pink alignment guides when an element lines up with another, which helps you put things back.
Changing colours
Click any shape, background or piece of text, then click the colour square in the toolbar. Pick from the palette, or click the plus and enter a hex code to match an exact colour from the rest of your styling.
To change every instance of one colour at once, use the Styles tab and apply a colour palette to the whole design.
Adding your own photo
- Click Uploads in the left sidebar.
- Upload the photo from your device.
- Drag it onto an existing image frame in the template. It will crop itself to fit.
- Double click the image to reposition or zoom within the frame.
Adding or removing pages
To print several invitations on one sheet, duplicate the page using the copy icon above the design, or use Ctrl+D. To delete a page, click the bin icon on that page.
Downloading your finished design
Click Share in the top right, then Download. Choose your file type:
- PDF Print — for anything you are printing. Best quality, and the only sensible choice for signs and posters.
- PDF Standard — smaller file, fine for emailing a digital invitation.
- JPG or PNG — for sending by text, WhatsApp or posting on social media.
If you are printing at a professional print shop, tick Crop marks and bleed before downloading.
Editing questions
Do I need Canva Pro?
No. Every template works on a free account. You would only need Pro for elements or fonts you add yourself that carry a crown icon.
A font looks different from the preview. Why?
Occasionally a font does not load on a free account. Select the text and pick a similar font from the dropdown. Our listings note when a design uses a Pro font.
Can I edit on my phone?
Yes, through the Canva app. Text editing works fine. Fiddly alignment work is much easier on a computer.
Can I change the size of the template?
On a free account you cannot resize an existing design, but you can create a new design at your preferred size and copy the elements across. Canva Pro has a one click resize.
I accidentally deleted something. Can I get it back?
Press Ctrl+Z or Cmd+Z. If you have gone too far to undo, open your original template link again for a clean copy.
Can I share the template with a friend?
No. The licence covers you and your own event. Sharing the link is the same as giving away the product.