How to create and download graphic files in Canva

Imagine this: you want to create a design or logo in Canva, or you already have a design and want it printed on one of our products. In that case, it is important to supply your design as a graphic file. This type of file is made up of lines and curves that always stay sharp, whether you scale it up or down. In this blog, we will show you how to do this, and also how to create a proper graphic file in Canva.

Please note: the download steps below apply when you create a design directly in Canva using elements such as text, shapes, and objects. These elements allow you to export a high quality graphic file while preserving your design quality. If you upload images or logos as JPG or PNG alongside the shapes, text, or objects you created in Canva, they cannot be properly converted into a graphic file, which can negatively affect the quality.

How to export a Canva file as a graphic file

Have you created a design in Canva that you want to print? Then it is important to save it as a graphic file. This ensures your design keeps its quality. Here is how:

Step 1: Click “Share” in the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: Click “Download.”
Step 3: Under File type, choose PDF Print.
Step 4: Enable crop marks and bleed.
Step 5: Select the RGB color profile.
Step 6: Click Download.

We recommend submitting a PDF file or SVG file, not a JPG or PNG. If you choose a PDF file, use the RGB color profile. Do you have a Canva Pro account? Then you can choose the CMYK color profile.

About PDF files:
When you choose a PDF file (PDF Print), text and shapes are saved as vectors, meaning they can be resized without losing quality and can still be edited later in graphic design software.

About SVG files:
When you choose an SVG file, shapes, text, and illustrations are all saved as vectors. This keeps your design sharp at any size and allows you to edit each individual element in graphic software.

Creating your entire design in Canva? Here is how to approach it

Step 1: Always start with the correct size

Check the product page to find the exact dimensions of the item.

• Log in to your Canva account, free or Pro.
• Select Custom size.
• Enter the correct width and height and choose the unit in mm or cm.
• Click the purple Create new design button.
• A new window will open with a blank canvas in your selected size.
• Always design at full scale and in the correct proportions. Do not resize your design afterward.

Step 2: Keep bleed in mind

For our printed products, we always maintain a small margin around your design.

• Do not place text or logos too close to the edge. Keep 3 to 5 mm of space.
• Backgrounds and colors do not need to extend fully to the edge.
• Avoid making your design perfectly symmetrical right up to the edge.

This prevents parts of your design from being cut off.

Step 3: Use high quality images

The sharpness of your image determines the final result.

• To upload images, click Uploads and then Upload files
• Use high quality photos, logos, or illustrations.
• Avoid blurry, grainy, stretched, or very small images.
• Do not use screenshots. Always use the original file.
• Canva may warn you if an image is low quality. Take this warning seriously.

If it looks blurry on your screen, it will look blurry in print.

Step 4: Make sure there is enough contrast

Use clear colors and fonts so your design remains easy to read.

• Ensure there is enough color contrast in your design.
• Avoid dark images or illustrations on a dark background.
• Avoid light text on a light background.
• Do not use too many different fonts.

If it barely stands out on your screen, it will not stand out in print.

Step 5: Check your design

Before exporting, take a moment to review everything:

• Is all text spelled correctly?
• Are images and illustrations still in the correct proportions?
• Is the design neatly aligned?
• Is there enough contrast?
• Are the most important elements at least 3 to 5 mm away from the edge?

This helps prevent mistakes later on.

Step 6: Export your design as a graphic file

An important step that deserves attention:

• Click “Share” in the top right corner of the page.
• Click “Download.”
• Under File type, choose PDF Print.
• Enable crop marks and bleed.
• Select the RGB color profile.
• Click Download.

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