Whether you are a dabbler or a complete novice you are welcome here at PRINT.WORK, there are programs online that are making it easier and more accessible to let everyone have a go designing without stress or fear. Canva is really useful tool if you aren’t quite sure where to start, with templates & fonts ready for you to build your own creations. Although it’s very simple to use, there are a few do’s and don’ts when working in Canva. If you follow our tips for getting it right you should have a perfect print ready file every time!
Sizing
If you are using the free version of Canva you aren’t able to change the size of your design after you’ve started, make sure to select the correct size before you get going. You can set your own size by pressing ‘Custom Size’, then entering your final print dimensions – make sure you’ve selected millimeters.
Adding bleed
As you should already be aware we require a 3mm bleed around each edge of your artwork, if you need a refresher please take a look at our What is Bleed? guide. In Canva you can enable the bleed by selecting file > settings > show print bleed. Your design will need to extend out into this space, filling the bleed area around each edge.
Safe area
We require a 5mm safe area, anything on your design that you want to keep safe from trimming needs to be 8mm away from the edge of your page (5mm safe area plus 3mm bleed). Canva has a ruler tool that can be helpful for judging the space around the edges of your print, this can be selected file > settings > show rulers & guides.
Before you start
Bleed
Safe area
Resolution
Canva uses vectors for their fonts and graphics, if you are using these your file should have a lovely high resolution when downloaded. If you are inserting your own image files you will need to check beforehand if they are a high enough resolution (at least 300dpi) as there isn’t a way of checking this on Canva.
The best way of checking this is by zooming in to 100%. As a rule of thumb: if it looks blurry on your screen – it’s going to print blurry.
Colours
Canva will only let you download your designs in RGB when using the free version, if you are using the Canva Pro you will be able to download the file CMYK. We recommend converting your files to CMYK as you’ll have a more accurate idea of how the colours will come out in print, we will accept RGB files just be aware there could be a slight colour change on your final print. If you are reading this with a furrowed brow, take a quick read of our Colour: CMYK v RGB guide!
Concerned about how your colours will come out in print? Please don’t fret, you can order a test print to check everything over.
Exporting files
Once your design is finalised you’ll need to download your file. This step is very important, you will be given a few different options for the file type, please chose the ‘PDF Print’ option. To make sure your final file has bleed, you need to tick the ‘Crop marks & bleed’ box.
If you are still feeling stuck and need some guidance, please send us an email or give us a ring. Our team are happy to talk things through with you!
