Print marketing is still a powerful way to make an impression, and Canva makes it easy to design and print materials that stand out. From business cards to flyers, brochures, and more, Canva’s tools are designed for both digital and print needs. Here’s how to get started with creating and printing quality marketing materials through Canva.

1. What is Canva and Why Use It for Print Marketing?

Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool with thousands of templates for both digital and print designs. Whether you're looking to create eye-catching business cards, engaging posters, or professional brochures, Canva offers a vast selection of templates and design tools.

Why Canva for Print?

User-Friendly: Canva’s drag-and-drop design interface is ideal for beginners and professionals.
Quality Templates: Canva offers print-ready templates that follow standard dimensions and bleed specifications.
Printing Options: Canva provides in-house printing options, ensuring compatibility with the designs.

2. Choosing the Right Print Template in Canva

Choosing a print-specific template is the first step in creating a quality print marketing piece. Canva categorizes templates for various materials such as:

Business Cards
Flyers
Brochures
Posters
Invitations

Tip: Be sure to choose templates marked for print or those with dimensions specific to your print project, as these often include bleed areas that allow for edge-to-edge printing without issues.

3. Tips for Designing Print-Ready Materials

A few considerations can help elevate the quality of your print designs, ensuring they look professional and appealing.

Stick to High-Resolution Images

Low-resolution images may look acceptable on screens but will appear blurry in print. Canva’s premium library offers access to high-resolution stock images if you need extra content. You can click here to view our free stock photo guide

Use CMYK Color Mode

Most printing companies use CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) color mode. Canva’s in-house print options are already optimized for CMYK, but if you plan to download and print elsewhere, be sure to check the color settings.

Include a Margin or “Bleed”

Many Canva print templates include a “bleed area” to ensure designs go right to the edge. Avoid placing text or critical design elements in this area to prevent accidental trimming.

Proof Your Work

Check for typos, image alignment, and color balance. Canva also allows you to preview the final print version to make sure everything looks just right.

4. How to Print from Canva

Printing from Canva is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Design Your Print Project

Choose your template, customize it with colors, text, images, and logos, and ensure it aligns with your brand style.

Step 2: Click on the “Print” Button

Once your design is complete, click on “Print” at the top right corner. Canva will present print options based on your design type (e.g., flyers, business cards).

Step 3: Choose Your Print Specifications

You can adjust settings such as paper type (e.g., matte or glossy), quantity, and print quality.

Step 4: Preview Your Design

Canva provides a final preview, so double-check every element for accuracy. Once satisfied, proceed to the checkout.

Step 5: Order and Wait for Delivery

Complete the checkout process, and Canva will handle the rest, including printing and shipping. Delivery times vary depending on your location.

5. Canva’s Print Services vs. Downloading for Third-Party Printing

If you prefer using a local print shop or a different online printer, Canva also allows you to download your design in print-ready formats.

Downloading for External Printing

To ensure compatibility, download as a PDF Print with crop marks and bleed enabled:

Click “Download” from the top menu.
Choose PDF Print and check the boxes for Crop Marks and Bleed.
Save and send the file to your preferred printing service.

Canva Print vs. Third-Party Printers

Canva Print: Convenient, with guaranteed design compatibility.
Third-Party: May offer more paper options and flexibility but might require additional setup.

6. Best Practices for High-Quality Print Marketing

Regardless of whether you use Canva’s print services or a third-party provider, consider these best practices to enhance your print materials.

Maintain Brand Consistency

Use consistent colors, fonts, and styles across all print materials to create a cohesive brand identity.

Choose Readable Fonts

Ensure text is legible from a distance, especially on posters and flyers. Stick to a few fonts, and use bold type for emphasis where needed.

Consider Paper Type

The type of paper can impact the look and feel of your marketing material. For example:

Glossy: Good for images; colors appear vibrant.
Matte: Professional and easy to read without glare.

Test Print

If possible, print a test copy to see the final result. This step can help catch minor errors before committing to a full print run.

7. Enhancing Your Print Marketing Strategy with Canva

Canva is a powerful tool that makes print marketing accessible for businesses of all sizes. From creating the design to printing and shipping, it’s an all-in-one solution that simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on reaching your audience. By following these tips and using Canva’s in-built tools, you can elevate your print marketing materials and create a lasting impression.

Now that you know how to use Canva for print marketing, you’re equipped to create stunning visuals that resonate with your audience. Whether you’re a small business owner or a seasoned marketer, Canva offers all the tools you need to produce high-quality print materials and get them out into the world.

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How To Print From Canva - Print Marketing 101