Setting Up Brand Colours in Canva

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:

• Set up your brand colours in Canva and save them for future use
• Apply consistent colours across different design elements
• Choose colours that work well together and represent your brand

Introduction

Your brand colours are one of the most important parts of your visual identity. When you use the same colours consistently across all your designs, people start to recognise your brand instantly. This chapter shows you exactly how to set up and use brand colours in Canva, so all your designs look professional and cohesive.

Lessons

Setting Up Your Brand Colour Palette

Before you start designing, you need to decide on your brand colours and save them in Canva.

Step 1: Choose your primary colour
This is your main brand colour – the one that represents your brand best. Pick something that fits your brand's personality and stands out from your competitors.

Step 2: Add a secondary colour
Choose a colour that complements your primary colour without competing with it. This gives you more flexibility in your designs.

Step 3: Include accent colours
Add 1-2 accent colours for highlights and variety. These should work well with your primary and secondary colours.

Saving Your Brand Colours in Canva

Once you've chosen your colours, here's how to save them in Canva:

Step 1: Open any design in Canva
You can use a blank canvas or any template.

Step 2: Click on any element that can be coloured
This could be text, shapes, or backgrounds.

Step 3: Open the colour picker
Click on the colour square in the toolbar.

Step 4: Enter your colour code
If you have a specific hex code, enter it in the colour picker. If not, use the colour wheel to find your colour.

Step 5: Save the colour
Click the "+" icon next to the colour to add it to your brand colours.

Step 6: Repeat for all your brand colours
Add each of your chosen colours to build your complete palette.

Applying Your Brand Colours

Now you can use your saved brand colours across all your designs:

Step 1: Select the element you want to colour
This could be text, shapes, backgrounds, or other design elements.

Step 2: Click the colour picker
Your saved brand colours will appear at the top of the colour options.

Step 3: Click your chosen brand colour
Canva will apply it instantly to your selected element.

Practice

Try this exercise to practice using your brand colours:

1. Create a new Instagram post design in Canva
2. Set up your brand colours using the steps above
3. Design a simple post using only your brand colours
4. Try different combinations – primary colour for text, secondary for background, accent for small details
5. Save your design and create another one using the same colours

Notice how using consistent colours makes your designs look more professional and cohesive.

FAQs

How do I save custom brand colours in Canva?
Click on any coloured element, open the colour picker, choose or enter your colour, then click the "+" icon to save it to your brand colours.

Can I import brand colours from external sources into Canva?
You can't directly import colour files, but you can manually enter hex codes to match your existing brand colours exactly.

Is there a limit to the number of brand colours I can save in Canva?
There's no official limit, but keeping your palette to 3-5 colours makes it easier to manage and creates better designs.

What if I make a mistake with my brand colours?
You can remove saved brand colours by clicking on them and selecting the delete option, then add the correct ones.

Jargon Buster

Brand Colours: The specific colours that represent your brand and are used consistently across all your designs and materials.

Hex Code: A six-character code (like #FF0000 for red) that defines exact colours for digital use.

Colour Palette: Your complete set of brand colours, usually including primary, secondary, and accent colours.

Primary Colour: Your main brand colour that appears most often in your designs.

Secondary Colour: A supporting colour that complements your primary colour.

Accent Colour: A colour used sparingly to highlight important elements or add visual interest.

Wrap-up

Setting up your brand colours in Canva is a small step that makes a huge difference to your designs. Once you've saved your colours, you can use them consistently across every design you create. This builds recognition for your brand and makes everything look more professional.

Start with 3-5 colours maximum, save them properly in Canva, and use them consistently. Your designs will immediately look more polished and cohesive.

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