Hey lovelies!
We get that sometimes it’s super hard to explain what you’re looking for when it comes to your stationery. Canva is a great, user friendly tool to use when you’re starting out with graphic design, and it gives you the tools to make some really beautiful artwork!
However, getting your artwork to look as good in print as it does on the screen can be a little tricky, we’ve put this guide together so that we can make sure it looks just as fabulous as you imagined when it arrives.
We’re going to quickly go over all the nitty-gritty details like exporting in PDF format CMYK colour space, bleed settings, and checking dimensions.
So let’s get stuck in!
Step 1: Setting Up Your Artwork at the Correct Size
First things first, let’s ensure your artwork is set up for success. It’s much easier to make sure your artwork is the right size from the word go, rather than trying to change it afterwards.
- Check the Dimensions: Before you start designing, make sure your Canva workspace has the correct dimensions. To do this, click on the “Resize” button at the top of your workspace. You can enter custom dimensions here or choose from predefined sizes. Remember, precise dimensions are key to a flawless print.
- Make sure you’re working in MM not PX – if you set your artwork up in pixels, it usually ends up too small for print, resulting in your finished result being pixellated.
Step 2: Enabling Bleed Settings
Bleed settings ensure that your artwork extends beyond the trim edge, so there are no white borders when printed. Here’s how to set it up:
- Turn on Bleed: Click on “File” in the top-left corner of your Canva workspace.
- Show Print Bleed: Select “Show print bleed” from the dropdown menu. You’ll now see a dashed line around your design. Make sure your background and elements that should go to the edge extend past this line, but anything that’s important needs to be kept a few mm inside of this line, to ensure it doesn’t get cut off. Want to learn more about print bleed? Check out our guide here.
Step 3: Exporting Your Design in PDF CMYK Format
To get those rich, true-to-life colors in print, you’ll want to export your design in PDF CMYK format. Here’s the lowdown:
- Download Your Design: Once you’re happy with your design, click the “Share” button at the top-right corner, then select “Download.”
- Choose PDF Print: In the file type dropdown, select “PDF Print.” This option is perfect for high-quality prints.
- Adjust Settings:
- Check ‘Crop Marks and Bleed’: Ensure this box is ticked to include bleed in your download.
- Convert to CMYK: Toggle the “Convert to CMYK” option to ensure the colors are print-ready. (Note: This feature might be available for Canva Pro users.)
- Download the File: Hit that shiny “Download” button, and voila! You’ve got a PDF ready for print.
Bonus Tips
- Double-Check Dimensions: Before uploading your artwork to our website or sending it via email, double-check the dimensions in your PDF to make sure everything’s spot on. Open the PDF and view the properties to confirm. If anything’s awry though we’ll let you know!
- Proof Your Design: Check, check and check again! If you miss any errors on your artwork we might not spot them, we view hundreds of pieces of artwork a day so might not notice any little issues, so please ensure you check your items fully before uploading.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Exporting your Canva artwork for print is a breeze when you know what to do. With the right dimensions, bleed settings, and CMYK color format, your design will look fabulous both on screen and on paper. Want to view some of our ready to go templates for our most popular items? Check out our Artwork Guidelines & Templates section of the website.
