5 Steps to Create Graphics with Canva

Hello, friends! Last week I discussed some of my favorite blog design resources that I use almost every time I design a new graphic. So, I thought I’d continue that theme and actually talk about how I use Canva to design my featured images for posts. Again, this is just how I design my graphics. I’m not saying you have to do yours the same way. I do think I use many of Canva’s features to create mine, though, so this should give you a good idea of what Canva has to offer! The possibilities are endless in the designs you can create. So play around, have fun and do what you like!

* Disclaimer: I use Canva for Work, which is a subscription version of Canva. So you may see some features in the screenshots that aren’t available to you if you use the free version. However, my tutorial will only include what is available in the free version, with the paid features I use at the end 🙂

Step one: Open a new design

I use two different sizes for my featured image. One is a square “social media” size for the image you see on my homepage, the other is the larger “pinterest graphic” size that is seen on sites like Bloglovin’. Canva offers many pre-determined sizes you can choose from, or you can choose your own dimensions.

I’ll be doing the tutorial on the square “social media” size.

Step two: Choose an image or background

I like to have images in my graphics. I have a collection of free stock images that I cycle through. I also search for new ones using stock image sites if I feel like none of mine fit the theme of my post. Today, I’m just going to use one I’ve used in the past.

As you can see, there is an option for uploads on the left-hand side. It’s super easy to upload images to Canva. All you do is open the file on your computer, then drag and drop it into Canva. Yep, that easy.

If you don’t like an image, you can always choose a different design. Canva offers their own premade layouts you can choose from, or you can design your own using design elements from elsewhere, or you can have a solid color. If you choose to go with Canva’s images or layouts, they have free options or 1$ options. You can preview the paid options before deciding – you won’t be prompted to pay until you click download.

Step three: Overlays and other design options

My designs change all the time because I’m indecisive. Right now, I’m trying to stay consistent with my pink theme, so I include an overlay. What I do is I go to Elements > Shapes > I choose the square shape. I then adjust the color and transparency to reach that pink shade you see on top of my images.

I then like to frame the text for the title of the post and my blog logo at the bottom of each image. I use the same process. I choose the square, adjust it to reach the gray and pink colors you see.

There are many options you can play around with here. If you just have a plain white background, you can play with the shapes and colors to create an abstract design. If you like an image without an overlay, go straight to adding text. If you like illustrations or icons, Canva has that too. The world is your oyster here.

Step four: Add text

I use almost all custom fonts for my graphics. For this post, I’ll only be using the fonts that come with Canva. Again, Canva offers some predesigned font layouts, or you can create your own. You can change the size, color and spacing of your text as well.

I also make sure to include my blog name at the bottom of the image.

Step Five: Save and download

In the top right corner is where you finish off the design. Make sure you name it appropriately as that will be what the file name is. Make sure you’ve finished your design exactly how you want then download it! You can choose to download it as a JPG or a PNG. And that’s it! That’s how I create my featured images.

For those of you curious about the Canva for Work options. Here are a few: 

From left to right:

1. You can instantly change the size of your design. Changing dimensions changes the current design your working on. The Magic Resize option opens up a new tab with the same design in the new size. It’s already scaled for you (although, sometimes you may have to make a few minor changes, but it saves a lot of time!)
2. You can organize your uploads into folders!
3. You can download your designs with a transparent background.
4. You can upload your own fonts. All those seen (except the bottom two) are my own fonts.

You can check out Canva here!

I hope this was helpful for you! If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask 🙂