Using Canva to Produce Print-Ready Artwork: What You Need to Know

Canva has become one of the most popular design tools for businesses, charities, churches, and community groups. Its ease of use and extensive template library make it an attractive alternative to traditional design software. However, when artwork is intended for professional printing, there are several important considerations to ensure files are genuinely print-ready.

This article explains how Canva can be used effectively for print projects, and where care is required to achieve the best possible printed result.

Why Canva Works Well for Print Projects

Canva is particularly well suited to:

• Simple brochures, flyers, posters, and leaflets

• Parish magazines and community publications

• Event programmes and newsletters

• Short-run marketing materials

Its drag-and-drop interface allows non-designers to produce clean, consistent layouts quickly, without specialist training. For organisations working to tight budgets or timescales, this can be a significant advantage.

Choosing the Correct Document Setup

One of the most common mistakes with Canva artwork is incorrect sizing.

When starting a new design:

• Always select the exact finished size of the printed item (e.g. A4, A5, DL)

• Avoid resizing designs later, as this can affect image quality and layout

If your printer provides a custom size or specification, Canva allows you to enter exact dimensions in millimetres.

Understanding Bleed and Trim

Professional printing requires bleed to allow for trimming.

In Canva:

• Enable bleed in the file settings

• Extend background colours and images to the bleed edge

• Keep text and important elements at least 3–5mm inside the trim edge

Failing to allow for bleed can result in white edges or uneven trimming on the finished product.

Colour: RGB vs CMYK

Canva designs are created in RGB, which is optimised for screens rather than print. While Canva does not offer full CMYK control, acceptable results can still be achieved by:

• Avoiding very bright or fluorescent colours

• Using Canva’s more muted, print-friendly palettes

• Being aware that colours may appear less vibrant in print than on screen

For critical brand colours, it is worth requesting a printed proof or speaking with your printer in advance.

Image Quality Matters

All images used in Canva should be high resolution.

Best practice includes:

• Uploading original images rather than screenshots

• Avoiding heavy enlargement of images

• Checking Canva’s image quality warning indicators

Low-resolution images will look acceptable on screen but can appear soft or pixelated when printed.

Exporting Print-Ready PDFs

When exporting your artwork:

• Choose PDF Print

• Enable crop marks and bleed

• Avoid standard PDF or PNG exports for professional printing

A properly exported PDF Print file will ensure your printer receives the artwork in the correct format.

Communicate with Your Printer

Even with a well-prepared Canva file, communication is key. A professional printer can:

• Check files before printing

• Flag potential issues with bleed, margins, or image quality

• Advise on paper choice, finishes, and binding options

Sharing artwork early can prevent delays and reprints.

Canva Is a Tool — Not a Replacement for Print Expertise

Canva is an excellent design tool when used with an understanding of print requirements. For many projects, it delivers strong, cost-effective results. However, it does not replace the value of professional print knowledge.

By following best practices and working closely with us, Canva can be used confidently to produce artwork that looks just as good in print as it does on screen. If you have any questions about producing artwork for printing please contact us or call 01252 330683 and we’ll do our best to assist you.