Stay Current with the Latest Canva Updates
Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to:
- Set up notifications to track new Canva features and updates
- Use social media and community resources to stay informed
- Apply new Canva tools to improve your design projects
Introduction
Canva releases new features, templates, and tools regularly throughout the year. Staying on top of these updates means you'll have access to the latest design options and can keep your work looking fresh and current.
This chapter shows you exactly how to stay in the loop with Canva's latest offerings. You'll learn practical methods to track updates and discover how to make the most of new features as they become available.
Lessons
Setting Up Canva Notifications
The easiest way to stay updated is to let Canva tell you directly when something new arrives.
Step 1: Log into your Canva account and click on your profile picture in the top right corner.
Step 2: Select 'Account settings' from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Click on the 'Notifications' tab on the left side of the page.
Step 4: Toggle on 'Product updates and announcements' to receive emails about new features.
Step 5: Choose whether you want weekly or monthly digest emails by selecting your preference.
You can also enable notifications for new templates and seasonal content if you want to stay on top of trending design options.
Following Canva on Social Media
Canva's social media accounts often share quick tips and announce new features before they appear in formal email updates.
Step 1: Search for Canva's official accounts on your preferred social platforms:
- Instagram: @canva
- Facebook: Canva
- Twitter: @canva
- YouTube: Canva
Step 2: Follow or subscribe to these accounts.
Step 3: Turn on notifications for their posts if you want immediate updates (optional).
These channels frequently share tutorials showing how to use new features, which can be incredibly helpful when you're trying to figure out a new tool.
Joining the Canva Community
The Canva Community is where users share tips, ask questions, and discuss new features. It's also where Canva staff make announcements and gather feedback.
Step 1: Go to community.canva.com and sign in with your Canva account.
Step 2: Browse the different categories to get familiar with the layout.
Step 3: Click 'Follow' on the 'Product News & Updates' section to get notifications about new announcements.
Step 4: Consider joining discussions in categories that match your design interests (like 'Social Media' or 'Business').
Community members often share creative ways to use new features that you might not have considered. Plus, Canva staff regularly respond to questions and feedback here.
Checking the Canva What's New Page
Canva maintains a dedicated page for feature announcements that's updated regularly.
Step 1: Bookmark canva.com/help/whats-new in your browser.
Step 2: Check this page monthly or whenever you log into Canva.
Step 3: Read through recent updates to see if any new features could benefit your current projects.
This page includes detailed explanations of new features with screenshots and examples, making it easy to understand what's changed.
Practice
Here's your practical task for this chapter:
- Set up email notifications in your Canva account settings (choose weekly or monthly based on your preference)
- Follow Canva on at least one social media platform you use regularly
- Visit the Canva Community and explore the Product News & Updates section
- Bookmark the What's New page for future reference
- Look for one recent update or new feature and try using it in a simple design project
FAQs
How often does Canva release new features?
Canva typically releases new features and updates several times per month, with larger feature releases happening quarterly.
Can I test new features before they're available to everyone?
Sometimes. Active community members may get access to beta features, and Canva occasionally runs limited preview programs for new tools.
What if I don't like a new feature or update?
You can provide feedback through the Canva Community or help centre. While you can't usually revert to older versions, Canva does listen to user feedback and often makes adjustments based on community input.
Are new features automatically available to free users?
Not always. Some new features are exclusive to Canva Pro subscribers, while others are available to all users. The announcement will specify which plan includes each new feature.
How can I learn to use new features effectively?
Check Canva's YouTube channel for tutorials, browse the help centre for detailed guides, and look at community discussions where users share tips and creative applications.
Jargon Buster
Beta Features: New tools or features that are still being tested and refined before their official release to all users.
Canva Community: The official forum where Canva users can ask questions, share tips, and discuss features with other users and Canva staff.
Product Updates: New features, tools, templates, or improvements that Canva adds to the platform.
Notification Digest: A summary email that combines multiple updates into a single message, sent weekly or monthly rather than individually.
Wrap-up
Staying current with Canva updates doesn't require much effort once you've set up the right systems. By enabling notifications, following social media accounts, and checking the community occasionally, you'll naturally stay informed about new features and improvements.
The key is finding the right balance of information that keeps you informed without overwhelming you. Start with email notifications and one social media channel, then add other sources if you find you want more detailed information.
Remember that new features are only valuable if you actually use them. When you spot something interesting, take a few minutes to experiment with it in a practice project. This hands-on approach will help you remember the new tools when you need them for real projects.
Ready to take your Canva skills further? Join our community of designers at https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership