Typography Fundamentals in Canva

Learning Objectives

• Understand the importance of font selection in Canva
• Learn to combine typefaces effectively for visual impact
• Gain skills in creating a clear text hierarchy within your designs

Introduction

Typography shapes how information is perceived and impacts engagement. In this chapter, you'll learn how to select fonts, combine different typefaces, and organise text to guide the viewer's attention effectively within Canva.

Good typography makes your designs more readable and professional. It's the difference between a design that looks thrown together and one that communicates clearly with confidence.

Lessons

Lesson 1: Choosing the Right Font

The right font reflects the tone of your message while ensuring readability. Here's how to pick fonts that work.

Step 1: Open your Canva project and click on the 'Text' tab in the left sidebar.

Step 2: Browse through the font library. Use the search bar to find specific styles or browse by category (serif, sans-serif, display, handwriting).

Step 3: Add text to your design and test different fonts. Click on your text element, then scroll through the font options to see real-time previews.

Step 4: Consider your audience and purpose. Formal documents work well with classic fonts like Open Sans or Montserrat, while creative projects can handle more decorative choices.

Lesson 2: Combining Typefaces

Using multiple typefaces adds visual interest and helps create distinction between different types of content.

Step 1: Choose a primary font for your main content. This should be highly readable and neutral enough to work with other fonts.

Step 2: Select a contrasting font for headings or emphasis. If your body text is a clean sans-serif, try a serif or display font for headings.

Step 3: Stick to two or three fonts maximum. More than this creates visual chaos.

Step 4: Test your combination by adding sample text and checking readability at different sizes.

Lesson 3: Establishing Text Hierarchy

Text hierarchy guides viewers through your design, showing them what's most important and in what order to read.

Step 1: Identify your content priorities. What should people read first, second, and third?

Step 2: Use size to create hierarchy. Make your main headline the largest text element, subheadings medium-sized, and body text smaller.

Step 3: Adjust font weight and colour. Bold weights and high-contrast colours draw attention, while lighter weights and subtle colours recede.

Step 4: Use spacing to separate different levels of information. Add more space above headings than below them to group related content.

Practice

Create a basic poster in Canva using what you've learned:

1. Open a new poster design in Canva
2. Add a main headline using a bold, eye-catching font
3. Include a subheading in a complementary but different font
4. Add body text using a clean, readable font
5. Adjust sizes to create clear hierarchy: headline largest, subheading medium, body text smallest
6. Use spacing to separate different text elements
7. Preview your design and adjust if any text is hard to read

Save your design and compare it with a version using only one font. Notice how the multi-font version creates more visual interest while maintaining readability.

FAQs

Can I upload my own fonts in Canva?
Yes, with Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise subscriptions, you can upload custom fonts. Go to your Brand Kit and click "Upload a font" to add your own typefaces.

How many fonts should I use in one design?
Stick to two or three fonts maximum. Using more creates visual confusion and makes your design look unprofessional.

What's the difference between a font and a typeface?
Technically, a typeface is the design (like Helvetica), while a font is the specific version (like Helvetica Bold 12pt). In everyday use, the terms are often used interchangeably.

Why do some fonts look blurry in my design?
This usually happens when text is too small or the font isn't optimised for screen display. Try increasing the text size or choosing a font designed for digital use.

Jargon Buster

Typography: The art of arranging text to make it readable and visually appealing. Includes font choice, sizing, spacing, and layout.

Text Hierarchy: The visual organisation of text to show importance levels, typically using size, weight, and colour variations.

Typeface: The design of a set of characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols that share common design features.

Font Weight: The thickness of the strokes in a font, ranging from light to bold. Heavier weights draw more attention.

Serif: Fonts with small decorative strokes extending from the main strokes of letters (like Times New Roman). Often seen as traditional or formal.

Sans-serif: Fonts without decorative strokes (like Arial). Generally considered more modern and clean.

Wrap-up

You now know how to choose appropriate fonts, combine them effectively, and create clear text hierarchy in Canva. These fundamentals will make your designs more professional and easier to read.

The key is practice. Start with simple combinations and gradually experiment with more creative pairings as you build confidence. Remember that good typography serves your message first and adds style second.

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