Canva Features You Need to Know

Quick answer: For crafting in Canva, the standout features are shortcut keys, built-in apps, and the Color Palette Generator. Shortcut keys speed up your workflow: T adds a text box, C inserts a circle, R adds a rectangle, and L inserts a line, while Command/Control plus D duplicates, G groups, and Z undoes. Must-try apps include the Mockup App for professional product images, TypeCraft and TypeGradient for custom and gradient text, FontFrame for overlaying images onto text, and Frame Maker for custom frames. Canva’s Color Palette Generator at canva.com/colors helps you build a cohesive color scheme, and if you have a brand kit you can shuffle through styles within your brand colors.

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We love to use Canva along with our Cricut machines. It’s a great way to explore new ways of designing for our craft projects. That’s why we want to share these Canva Features You Need to Know. These are our favorite features and we use them all the time.

Are you ready to take your Canva design skills to the next level? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced designer, these game-changing features and shortcuts will boost your efficiency and creativity. Let’s dive in!

Canva Features You Need to Know: Essential Features and Shortcuts to Elevate Your Designs

Must-Know Shortcut Keys

One of the most powerful ways to speed up your workflow in Canva is by using shortcut keys. These simple keystrokes can help you create designs much faster and with ease.

Adding Elements Instantly

Using shortcut key T to add a text box in Canva

T: Adds a text box. No need to search for the text tool!

C: Inserts a circle.

Using shortcut key C to add a circle and R to add a rectangle in Canva

R: Adds a rectangle (instead of “S” for square, it’s “R” for rectangle).

Using shortcut key L to add a line in Canva

L: Inserts a line—perfect for page breaks or design elements.

Moving and Aligning Elements

Hold Command (Mac) or Control (Windows) while moving an element to prevent it from snapping to other elements.

To select everything on the page: Command + A (Mac) / Control + A (Windows)

If you want to group selected elements: Command + G / Control + G

For ungrouping elements: Command + Shift + G / Control + Shift + G

A pink circle in the background with a blue rectangle on top of it. Over both of them is a text box saying Your paragraph text.

Editing Text and Objects Quickly

To underline selected text: Command + U / Control +

Undo the last action: Command + Z /Control + Z

Redo an undone action: Command + Shift + Z / Control + Shift + Z

A pink circle in the background with a blue rectangle on top of it. Over both of them is a text box saying Your paragraph text. To the left is the layers panel showing each component of the design.

Layering Elements with Ease

To bring an element forward: Command + ] / Control + ]

If you want to send an element backward: Command + [ / Control + [

To duplicate an object instantly: Command + D / Control + D

Must-Try Canva Apps for Crafting and Design

Canva offers various built-in apps that enhance creativity and streamline design processes. Here are some of our top picks:

Canva screen with pointer pointing at Mockups app

Canva screen showing mockups in Mockup app

1. Mockup App

Perfect for creating professional-looking product images, sales graphics, and marketing materials. Canva offers a variety of mockups, including apparel, digital products, and video previews.

2. TypeCraft and TypeGradient

the name Lauren in the Typecraft app in Canva

TypeCraft: Allows you to create custom text with unique fonts and styles. You can manipulate text shape to create wavy or curved text designs.

text: What will you design today in purples and blues using the TypeGradient app in Canva

TypeGradient: Enables you to add beautiful gradient effects to text, making it more visually appealing.

text: "Hello World" in purples and blues with a mountain and flower background using the FontFrame app in Canva

3. FontFrame

This tool lets you overlay images onto text, giving a stunning visual effect. It works best with landscape images and bold fonts.

4. Frame Maker

Create custom frames by adjusting points and shaping elements exactly how you want. This is a great tool for making personalized design frames without having to build them from scratch.

Stay Tuned Coming Soon sign in Canva. Colors are red and white.

Stay Tuned Coming Soon sign in Canva. Colors are light turquoise and yellow.

Canva’s Color Palette Generator

Choosing the right color scheme for your design may seem difficult, but Canva’s Color Palette Generator simplifies the process.

If you have a brand kit, you can apply and shuffle through different styles within your brand colors.
If you’re unsure about color choices, visit Canva’s Color Palette Generator at canva.com/colors to explore suggested palettes and create a cohesive color theme for your designs.

Canva is a powerful tool, and by using these shortcuts and features, you can work faster, create stunning designs, and take your creativity to new heights. Whether you’re crafting for fun, business, or content creation, these tools will make your work more efficient and enjoyable.

So, what will you design today? Try these tips and let your creativity shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most useful Canva shortcut keys?

Press T for a text box, C for a circle, R for a rectangle, and L for a line. Command or Control plus A selects everything, G groups, Shift+G ungroups, D duplicates, Z undoes, and Shift+Z redoes; the bracket keys bring elements forward or send them backward.

Which Canva apps are best for craft and design work?

The post recommends the Mockup App for professional product images and marketing materials, TypeCraft and TypeGradient for custom and gradient text effects, FontFrame for overlaying images onto text, and Frame Maker for creating custom frames.

How can Canva help me choose colors?

Canva’s Color Palette Generator simplifies picking a color scheme. If you have a brand kit, you can apply and shuffle through styles within your brand colors, and if you’re unsure, visit canva.com/colors to explore suggested palettes for a cohesive theme.