How to Add Shapes and Icons in Canva
TL;DR:
- Find shapes and icons through the "Elements" toolbar on the left side
- Browse "Lines & Shapes" for geometric elements and basic forms
- Use the search function to find specific icons quickly
- Customize colors, sizes, and borders once you've added elements
- Layer shapes and icons to create more interesting compositions
Canva's built-in library of shapes and icons gives you plenty of options to enhance your designs. Here's how to find them, add them, and make them work for your project.
Finding Shapes and Icons
Open your design file and look for the toolbar on the left side. Click "Elements" to open the design elements menu.
For basic shapes like circles, squares, and triangles, click "Lines & Shapes". You'll see the most common options straight away. Click "See all" if you want to browse the full collection.
For icons, use the search bar at the top of the Elements panel. Type what you're looking for – "arrow", "heart", "phone" – and Canva will show you relevant options. The search works better with simple, descriptive terms.
Adding Elements to Your Design
Click any shape to add it directly to your canvas. It'll appear in the center, and you can drag it wherever you need it.
For icons, you can either click to add them or drag them straight onto your canvas. Dragging gives you more control over where they land.
Customizing Your Elements
Once you've added a shape or icon, click it to see your customization options:
For shapes:
- Change the color using the color picker in the toolbar
- Adjust the border thickness and style
- Resize by dragging the corner handles
- Add text directly inside most shapes by double-clicking
For icons:
- Change colors the same way as shapes
- Resize by dragging the corners
- Some icons have multiple color elements you can adjust separately
Making Your Design Work
Think about how shapes and icons support your message rather than just decorating the page. Use them to:
- Guide the eye toward important information
- Create visual breaks between sections
- Add emphasis to key points
- Build a consistent style throughout your design
Try layering elements to create depth. Put a shape behind text to make it pop, or use icons alongside headings to make sections clearer.
FAQs
Can I upload my own shapes and icons?
No, Canva doesn't let you upload custom shapes or icons. You can upload images, but they won't have the same editing flexibility as Canva's built-in elements.
Do I need to pay for shapes and icons?
Most basic shapes are free. Many icons are free too, but some premium options require a Canva Pro subscription. Premium elements have a crown icon in the corner.
Can I change the color of any shape or icon?
You can change colors on most elements, but some complex icons might have fixed colors. The color picker will show you what's editable when you select an element.
How do I make shapes the same size?
Select multiple shapes by holding Shift and clicking each one. Then right-click and choose "Resize" to make them match.
Jargon Buster
Elements – Canva's term for design components like shapes, icons, lines, and graphics that you can add to your project
Canvas – The main design area where you build your project
Toolbar – The panel on the left side of Canva where you access different tools and elements
Wrap-up
Adding shapes and icons is one of the quickest ways to make your Canva designs look more polished. The key is using them purposefully rather than just filling space. Start with simple elements that support your content, then experiment with layering and colors once you're comfortable with the basics.
Ready to level up your design skills? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more in-depth tutorials and design guidance.