Designing in Canva

Canva is a popular design tool and we are happy to work with files exported from it. There are a few things worth knowing before you export your Canva design for print.

Print Guys

USE THE CORRECT PAGE SIZE

Set your Canva document to the correct finished size before you start designing. Canva works in pixels by default so make sure you select millimetres and enter the correct dimensions. If you are not sure what size to use, get in touch and we will confirm before you start.

EXPORT AS PDF PRINT

When exporting from Canva, select PDF Print as the file format rather than PDF Standard or any image format. PDF Print exports at a higher resolution and is the correct setting for commercial print.

TURN ON CROP MARKS AND BLEED

Canva has a bleed option in the PDF Print export settings. Turn this on before exporting. Canva adds 3mm of bleed automatically when this option is selected. Make sure your design extends to the bleed edge and that no important content is sitting too close to the trim edge.

COLOUR MODE

Canva designs are created in RGB. When you export as PDF Print, Canva converts to CMYK automatically. The colour conversion is generally reliable but colours can shift slightly, particularly blues, purples, and very vibrant colours. If colour accuracy is critical, request a proof before committing to a full run.

IMAGE QUALITY

Canva compresses images as part of its platform. For most everyday print applications the quality is acceptable. For large format print or anything where fine photographic detail matters, we recommend supplying original high resolution images separately rather than relying on Canva compressed versions.

FONTS

Canva embeds fonts in the exported PDF automatically. No additional action required on fonts when exporting correctly from Canva.

WHAT TO SEND US

Export your Canva design as PDF Print with bleed turned on and send us the PDF. That is all we need. If you are unsure at any point, get in touch before you export and we will walk you through it.

DOUBLE PAGE SPREADS IN CANVA

One of the most common issues we see with Canva files is designers trying to create a double page spread where an image or design element runs continuously across two facing pages. Canva does not support true double page spreads. Each page is treated as a separate document and there is no way to join them as a single spread within the platform.

The result is that images placed across two pages in Canva will not align correctly when printed and bound. There will be a gap, a mismatch, or the image will not line up at the spine.

How to handle it in Canva

If your design has elements that cross the centre of a spread, set your Canva document up as a single wide page at double the width of your finished page. For an A4 spread, set the document to 420mm wide by 297mm tall. Design the full spread as one wide page, then export as PDF Print. When you send us the file, let us know it is set up as a full spread and we will split it correctly during prepress.

If your project has multiple spreads with images crossing the spine throughout, Canva is not the right tool for the job. We recommend speaking to a designer who works in professional layout software for anything more complex than a simple booklet.

NOT SURE IF YOUR CANVA FILE IS PRINT READY?

Get in touch and we will check it before anything goes to production. A quick file check at the start saves a lot of time and avoids reprints.

Get in touch