How to Access an Editable Design in Canva
If you’ve purchased an editable Canva template, or are thinking about doing so but just checking how it all works, then you’ve come to the right place!
In this short post, we’ll look at everything you need to know to access, edit and print a purchased editable Canva design. Whether this is from our Gin & Gemini Etsy shop or another seller, the process works the same way.
What is Canva?
First things first, let’s start with the basics. If you already know how Canva works and have a Canva account then feel free to skip this step.
Canva is a web based design tool that can be used to create digital files and designs. It is free to join, and although a paid Canva Pro subscription offers a greater range of features, the free version is 100% compatible with accessing your editable designs.
How to sign up for a free Canva account
Head to this link to sign up for a free Canva account.
You will need to sign up via an email address, Google account or Facebook account. After entering a few personal details, you should be good to go. You do not need to enter any payment information.
What is the difference between an editable and non-Editable Canva design?
Before we get into how to access your purchased editable design, here’s a quick explanation about the difference.
When you buy a non-editable design, such as this Tooth Fairy Certificate, the file is sent to the buyer as a pdf document. There is no way to edit the text on a pdf unless this has been specifically set up by the designer.
Instead, you will need to print out the certificate and hand write on the name. Sometimes this is exactly what you want, in which case the non-editable template is the best option.
However, if you wanted to edit the text so you could print the child’s name directly onto the certificate, then you would need to purchase an editable Canva template. This would allow the certificate to be opened in Canva and a text box would be available in order to type in the child’s name.
Every design is different, but in most cases the images and layout of the design will not be editable. Check the individual listing description of the item to be clear upon what you can edit.
How to Access your Editable Canva Design
This video below gives you a full visual guide to accessing your editable Canva design, or view it here.
Alternatively, you can follow the step by step guide below the video.
Step by Step Guide to Accessing an editable Canva file
When you purchase an editable Canva design on Etsy, (or anywhere else for that matter), you will receive a pdf document containing a link to the design, like this example from my Etsy shop below:
Click the “Access Template” button, and you will be taken to a Canva prompt screen stating the design has been shared with you. Click the “Use template for new design” button at the bottom to open and if you are not signed in to Canva, you will be prompted to do so at this point.
Otherwise, a copy of the design will open into your own Canva account. As this is a copy, it is your own to edit as you please. You can make changes to the text including font style, font colour and size.
You can also duplicate the pages within Canva if you needed to create variations.
In some designs you may be able to change the images but this is not always the case so be sure to check the listing description for information. In the example above, only the text boxes in these Retro Christmas Gift Tags are editable.
How to Download and Print Your editable Canva design
Once you have added your custom text and other elements, you are ready to download and print.
If you’re not ready to download, Canva automatically saves all your design changes so you can come back to them whenever you wish.
To download, click the “Share” button at the top right of the screen and select Download.
Click the dropdown and change the design format to PDF Print if this is not already displayed.
Your design will then be downloaded as a PDF and is ready to print in the usual way!
Are there other ways to edit a template without using Canva?
Yes, there are other programs that can be used to edit designs such as Corjl and Adobe Acrobat. However please be aware that these programs are not interchangable – if a design is stated to be editable in Canva, it will NOT be editable in Corjl and vice versa.
Therefore, if the design you are purchasing states “editable in Canva” Canva will be the ONLY way to edit that particular design.
Always check with the seller before purchasing if you are unsure of any details.
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About The Author
Melissa is an Educational Consultant in the UK with over 25 years teaching experience. Through her expertise in creating educational resources for children she opened her Etsy shop, Gin&Gemini, in 2022 and quickly expanded her offering into the party planning niche, offering a range of physical and digital products for children’s parties, family celebrations, holidays and the bachelorette / hen party niche. She lives on a farm with her husband, young daughter and cats.
