How To Use Canva to Create Graphics (for free)

Are you ready to learn how to use Canva to create graphics for free? Ever since I found this tool when I first got started, I fell in love with designing graphics.

And this is quite funny coming from me – a person who never considered themself to be creative nor someone who had an artistic side. But thanks to how easy it was to use Canva, all of this changed.

Now I’m going to share with you some of my graphic design tips to help you create your graphics for free using Canva.

Disclaimer: Please note this post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission if clicked at no extra cost to you. Though the opinions remain my own

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Why Use Canva?

Oh man, if you haven’t signed up for Canva yet then you are really missing out!

Canva is a leading graphic design platform that allows you to create visual content for just about any design possible.

I especially love to use Canva to create my Pinterest pins, blog graphics and printables. But here, we’re going to focus in on social media overall.

And here are my top reasons for using Canva to create graphics and why I’ve been using them even before upgrading to the Canva Pro plan.

Easy to Use

Okay so it may seem complicated to use Canva but it really isn’t. I self-taught myself how to use it and how to design graphics, even though I was never a design geek.

So if I can learn it, you can definitely learn it too. But don’t worry, I got your back so I’ll have a free video tutorial below on how to make graphics using Canva.

Pre-Sized Design Options

Another feature I absolutely love about Canva is the fact that they already have pre-identified sizes for just about everything. Want to make a Pinterest pin? Just select Pinterest pin. Want a Facebook post graphic or a printable? They have sizes for that too! All with one simple click.

Plus, if you create a graphic in one size but also want to use it for another social media platform, you can quickly resize your graphic and easily readjust the elements to fit its new size. It’s pretty awesome.

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Free Stock Photos Available

Oh man, and don’t even get me started with all of the stock photos they have available (even in the free version). Plus, they have free stock images for just about every single niche and can be found with a simple keyword search.

Actually, the fact that they have a search function is what I love the most because you don’t have to pre-download any images beforehand. You can simply type in a keyword and see what comes up. If you don’t like the image selected, just pick another.

And yes, these reasons are all available in the free Canva version.

Related Post: Best Stock Photo Sites for Successful Bloggers

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How To Use Canva to Create Graphics

Now that you know why Canva is so awesome and why I love it so much, it’s time for you to learn how to use Canva to create graphics for your own blog.

First, make sure you’re logged into your Canva account.

1) Pick a graphic size

Once you’re signed in, it’s time to decide what type of graphic you want to design. Is it for Instagram? Your blog? Pinterest? And once you’ve decided, go ahead and select that size under “Create a Design” like shown below.

2) From scratch or with templates

Decide if you will be creating your graphic design from scratch or if you will be using pre-made templates. Me personally? I always try to aim for the Canva templates as they are a hugeee time saver.

Here are my favorite templates to use for various Canva graphics designs:

Related Post: Templates for Online Biz Owners to Speed Up Processes

For Instagram / Facebook Posts

Ivory Mix is not just a stock photo site. They also provide Canva templates for just about anything and everything but I especially like their Instagram post templates as there are usually some awesome infographic kinds made as well.

Plus, the Instagram size templates are also perfect for Facebook so you can easily upload one creation to both social media platforms! See examples of these templates below.

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For Instagram Story / Lead Magnets

Styled Stock Society has absolutely gorgeous (and engaging) Instagram Story templates. When I was more active on Instagram, I would use these story templates on a day when I either forgot to post something or needed something quick and easy.

And because creating digital products is now one of my favorite things to do, Canva printable templates make it easy for me to create one quickly. On my mom blog, I have a free resource library for my email subscribers that I constantly need to update. So templates like these below make it super easy for me to do just that.

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For Pinterest Pins

Need some templates to help your pin design process go by a bit faster? Grab this pin template pack here.

They are super cute and easy to customize for any niche! Plus who couldn’t use more free pin templates when Pinterest wants “fresh” every.single.DAY. Yeah, I’m all about templates as they help keep me productive.

3) Create your graphics

Yay! So once you know whether you will be using a template or creating a graphic from scratch, it’s time to start customizing or creating your own graphics.

Below is a great video tutorial on how to use Canva to create Pinterest pins using free pin templates.

Recorded with Screencast-O-Matic

Although the video shows you how to use templates when designing your graphics, you would follow the same guidelines if creating yours from scratch.

Simply use the elements and stock photos of your choice to create something beautiful and unique!

Related Post: How To Create Pin Images Fast Using RelayThat

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Time To Create Some Awesome Graphics!

And there you have it my friend. Creating blog graphics has never been easier! Seriously, after trying out other sites, I always end up coming back to Canva.

And don’t forget to grab your Canva pin templates here to help you with your Pinterest strategy as well.

How did you enjoy the video tutorial? How has your experience been with Canva? Let me know in the comments below as I would love to hear from you!

And remember, there is always something to be happy for… Cheers to blogging! What are you cheering to today?

Lucy