Create Your First Design on Canva

Learning Objectives

• Understand how to start a new design project in Canva
• Learn to select the appropriate project dimensions
• Know how to save and export your Canva design

Introduction

Welcome to your first hands-on lesson with Canva! This chapter will walk you through creating your very first design, from opening a new project to saving your finished work. By the end of this lesson, you'll have the foundation skills needed for all your future Canva projects.

Lessons

Starting a New Project in Canva

Creating your first design begins with starting a new project. Here's how you do it:

Step 1: Sign in to your Canva account. If you don't have one, you can sign up for free on their website.

Step 2: Once logged in, find and click on the 'Create a Design' button, usually located on the top right corner of your dashboard.

Step 3: A dropdown menu will appear, offering various design types. Select one that fits your needs, or choose 'Custom Size' to enter specific dimensions.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Design

The size of your design matters because it affects how your finished piece will look and work:

Step 1: Think about where your design will be used. Is it a web banner, a flyer, or a social media post?

Step 2: Based on the purpose, pick the corresponding template from Canva's options or use a custom size.

Step 3: To set custom dimensions, click 'Custom Size' in the 'Create a Design' menu and enter the width and height in pixels, inches, or millimetres.

Saving and Exporting Your Design

Getting your work saved and exported correctly keeps your design looking sharp:

Step 1: Click the 'File' menu in the upper left corner of your screen.

Step 2: Select 'Save' to save your progress or 'Save As' to create a copy.

Step 3: To export, choose 'Download' from the top corner and select your preferred format, such as JPG, PNG, or PDF.

Key Things to Remember

Canva is a powerful tool, and getting the basics right will make everything else easier. Always double-check your document size and resolution depending on where it'll be used, whether online or in print.

Practice

Try creating a simple social media graphic:

1. Start a new project with pre-set dimensions for a social media platform
2. Add a background, text, and elements from Canva's library
3. Save and download your design
4. Share it on your profile or with friends to get feedback

FAQs

Is Canva free to use?
Canva offers a free version with many essential features, perfect for beginners getting started.

Can I use my own images in Canva?
Yes, you can upload your own images to Canva to add a personal touch to your designs.

What resolution should I use for print designs?
For print designs, use a resolution of 300 dpi to ensure high-quality output.

What happens if I choose the wrong size?
You can resize your design later by going to File > Resize, though this feature is available in Canva Pro.

Jargon Buster

Templates: Pre-designed formats that help speed up the creation process

Custom Size: An option in Canva allowing you to set specific dimensions for your design

Export: The process of saving your design in various file formats for distribution or printing

DPI: Dots per inch – a measure of image resolution, with higher numbers meaning better quality for print

Wrap-up

Well done on completing your first design with Canva! You now know the basics of starting a project, choosing the right size, and saving your work properly. These skills form the foundation for everything else you'll do in Canva.

Roll your sleeves up and keep experimenting with different templates and features. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the platform.

Ready to take your Canva skills further? Join our community at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership