Creating Email Newsletter Headers in Canva
TL;DR:
- Use Canva's "Email Header" design type for quick access to professional templates
- Choose from over a million stock photos or upload your own images
- Customise text, filters, and colours to match your brand identity
- Cloud storage means you can access and edit designs from anywhere
- Well-designed headers boost reader engagement with your content
Email newsletter headers are your first chance to grab attention in crowded inboxes. A strong header sets the tone for your entire newsletter and keeps readers scrolling instead of hitting delete.
Canva makes this process straightforward with purpose-built tools for email design. Here's how to create headers that actually work.
Getting Started with Canva's Email Header Templates
Open Canva and search for "Email Header" in the design types. You'll find hundreds of professionally designed templates covering different industries and styles.
The templates give you a solid foundation, but the real magic happens when you customise them for your brand. Think of these as starting points, not finished products.
Customising Your Header Design
Adding Your Images
Upload your own photos through the "Uploads" tab on the left sidebar. Your brand photos will always work better than generic stock images because they're authentic to your business.
If you need stock photos, Canva's library has over a million options. Use the search function to find images that match your newsletter's topic or mood.
Text and Typography
Keep your header text clear and readable. Newsletter headers aren't the place for fancy fonts that strain the eyes. Stick to clean, professional typefaces that work well at different sizes.
Your header should include your newsletter name and possibly a tagline, but avoid cramming too much information into this space.
Colours and Filters
Match your header colours to your brand palette. Consistency across your marketing materials builds recognition and trust with readers.
Use Canva's filter options sparingly. Heavy filters can make text hard to read and images look unprofessional.
Making the Most of Canva's Features
Canva's cloud storage automatically saves your work, so you can start a design on your laptop and finish it on your phone. This flexibility is particularly useful when you're working with team members or need to make quick updates.
The collaboration features let multiple people work on the same design. Team members can leave comments, suggest changes, and make edits in real-time.
Design Tips That Actually Matter
Your header needs to look good in email clients, which can be tricky. Keep important text and images away from the edges, as some email programs crop headers unexpectedly.
Test your header at different sizes. What looks perfect on your computer screen might be too small to read on mobile devices.
Avoid using too many different fonts, colours, or design elements. Simple, clean designs perform better than cluttered ones.
FAQs
Can I use Canva headers for different types of newsletters?
Yes, Canva's email header templates work for any newsletter type, from business updates to personal blogs. You can adapt any template to suit your content.
Are there enough stock photos for my specific industry?
With over a million stock photos available, you'll find suitable images for most industries. The search function helps you filter by topic, colour, and style.
How does team collaboration work in Canva?
Team members can edit the same design simultaneously, leave comments, and suggest changes. Everyone sees updates in real-time, making it easy to work together remotely.
Jargon Buster
Canva: Online design platform that lets you create graphics, documents, and marketing materials without advanced design skills.
Email Header: The top section of an email newsletter that typically includes branding, title, and key visual elements.
Stock Photos: Professional photographs available for licensing and use in commercial projects.
Cloud Storage: Online storage system that saves your files on remote servers, accessible from any device with internet connection.
Wrap-up
Creating effective email newsletter headers doesn't require professional design skills, just the right tools and approach. Canva provides everything you need to design headers that represent your brand and engage your readers.
Start with a template that matches your style, customise it with your brand elements, and keep the design clean and readable. Your newsletter headers will improve your open rates and keep readers engaged with your content.
Ready to improve your email marketing game? Join Pixelhaze Academy for more practical design and marketing guidance.