Canva Template Options

How to "Create a PDF" in Canva
We have a few things to consider for this question.
* How do you plan to use the end product?
* Where do you plan to share the end product?
* Which template will serve your purpose?

How Will You Use the Design?
Are you aiming for a simple 1-2 page document? Consider searching Canva's "document" or "newsletter" templates.

Hover over the design you're considering to see

• if design features will cost you every time you download the design. (look for the $ sign in the bottom right corner)
• if it's a free or premium account design. (premium designs have a little crown at the bottom right corner)
• number of pages built into the design. (bear in mind you can always duplicate or delete pages as needed)

Are you designing it to be a post on social media? 

• "Carousel" designs (search term) provide a colorful, consistent styled, multi-slide/page template similar to creating a PowerPoint design.
• "Document" has many designs that are only 1-2 pages or slides, still a consistent look, and can be colorful or a bit more muted in style. Many of these designs are sized perfectly for social media.

Where Do You Plan to Share the End Product?
If this will be a "cookie" or free give-away on your website to encourage folks to sign up for your newsletter or next project, the more simple "newsletter," "document," or even "flyer" can serve your purpose. You'll really only want a 1-2 page style.

You'll want to consider how saturated or colorful the design is if your target audience may print the item. You don't want folks "bleeding ink" with dark or highly colored backgrounds for your words. 

Test how your product will download into a PDF. Just because you can pack a lot of material onto what appears to be a one-page item, you may realize when you download as a PDF that it's actually 3 or more pages!

If you'll be sharing this as a social media post, "carousel" works especially well on LinkedIn. The more colorful and saturated the background is the better, as long as the text shows well in contrast to be readable. This format is able to be downloaded on LinkedIn for your audience to retrieve.

Do make sure to include your business logo, name, and a way to contact you someone on your project!

Which Template Will Serve Your Purpose?
The response to this is embedded in the earlier discussion. Each have their plusses with few negatives. 

Canva designs are highly adaptable, from adding and deleting pages, to adding and deleting features within a page design to customize it. You can change font size, style, and even colors. You can insert your own images. 

In all of your marketing, consider your business's brand style. This includes your color and font choices. You may be able to simply duplicate a template you're using elsewhere in your business to create your new items. 

If you have a Pro Canva account, you have the option to simply change the size or template style of an item you already created to maintain your brand look. Look to the top left corner for "Resize & Magic Switch." 

Canva does offer free 30-day trials of their Premium account! Keep an eye on the calendar if cost is a concern and focus your upcoming projects within that 30-day window. For as many free templates as Canva has, it's crazy how your eye is drawn to the premium template designs as "better!"

Don't forget if you're a nonprofit, with just a little electronic submission, an EIN, and the right kind of nonprofit (political nonprofits don't qualify), you may qualify for a free Premium Canva account! Be sure to check on the option.

Have these been your go-to template styles to "Create a PDF" in Canva? Do you have other template styles that work well?

If you're looking for assistance to maximize your use of Canva or you're looking for someone to create some designs for you, Let's Chat!

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