How to Save Canva Designs as PDF Files (Step-by-Step)
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There are two ways to save Canva designs as PDF files.
One is for documents or only text-based files and for web or online use. The other one is for printing where you want to send it to a printer to make a high-quality hard copy.
For a quick look on how to export Canva to PDF, here’s how:
Share → Download → Choose PDF Print (for printing) or PDF Standard (for online) → Click Download
Your choice of PDF format depends on what you are using it for. For example, if you’d like to create a digital product or a digital worksheet, you may want to save it as PDF Standard, then make your PDF fillable and save it to use it online.
Below is a detailed guide if you need more help:
Step-By-Step Tutorial On Saving Canva to PDF
In this guide, I’ve shared both methods step-by-step for you to follow.
Step 1 to Step 3 are the same for both, Step 4 is when you choose between high-quality printing or not.
Step 1: Log in and Open Your Design
Head over to Canva.
Log in to your account and open the design you want to save.
Step 2: Click the “Share” Button
Look for the Share button at the top-right corner of the Canva workspace and click it.
Step 3: Select “Download”
From the options shown, select Download.
Step 4: Choose PDF File Type
Click the dropdown under File type.
If You Are Printing
Select PDF Print for high-quality designs intended for professional printing (such as business cards, brochures, or flyers).
Then, check the following options:
- Crop Marks and Bleed
- Flatten
If You Are Not Printing
Choose PDF Standard if you’re planning to share your design digitally, via email, or on your website (this produces a smaller, easier-to-share file).
Select the “Flatten” option.
Step 5: Click “Download”
Once you’ve selected your preferred PDF type, click the Download button.
Canva will generate your PDF based on your options.
A popup will appear for you to select a folder in your desktop to save your PDF file.
Review and Quality Checks
After exporting my design, I always perform a quality check. I open the PDF file to review the layout and ensure everything appears as intended.
I look for any text that may have shifted or images that didn’t export correctly. Zooming in helps catch any small issues that might be missed at a standard view. If I spot any problems, I return to Canva, make the necessary adjustments, and export again.
I also take a moment to check the file size. If it’s too large for online use, I might need to adjust the quality settings during the export. This ensures that my PDF is both high-quality and easy to upload or share online.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I will address common questions about saving Canva designs as PDF files. These inquiries cover the steps for exporting, options for smartphones, costs, combining pages, and recommended settings for high-quality downloads.
What steps are involved in exporting a design from Canva to PDF format?
To export a design from Canva to PDF, I start by opening my design. Then, I click on the “Share” button. Next, I select “Download” and choose the PDF format I want, like PDF Standard or PDF Print. Finally, I click “Download” to save the file.
Is it possible to save a Canva project as a PDF file on a smartphone?
Yes, I can save my Canva project as a PDF on a smartphone. I open the app and load my design. After that, I tap the “Share” option, choose “Download,” and select PDF. Finally, I confirm my choice to save the PDF file directly to my device.
Can I convert Canva designs to PDF without incurring any charges?
I can convert Canva designs to PDF for free. Canva offers free accounts that allow me to download designs in PDF format without any charges. Premium features may come with costs, but basic downloads are available at no cost.
How do I combine multiple Canva pages into a single PDF document?
To combine multiple Canva pages into one PDF, I need to ensure all my designs are in a single file. When I’m ready to download, I select the “Download” option and choose to include all pages. This process creates a single PDF with all my selected pages.
What is the process for downloading a Canva design as a PDF directly onto an iPhone?
To download a Canva design as a PDF on an iPhone, I open the Canva app and select my design. I tap on the “Share” button, choose “Download,” and pick PDF. After confirming my selection, the PDF will be saved to my phone’s storage.
Are there any specific settings recommended when saving a Canva design as a high-quality PDF?
When saving a Canva design as a high-quality PDF, I recommend choosing “PDF Print.” This setting ensures that the design maintains high resolution. Additionally, I make sure to select the option for a flattened PDF if I want to avoid any layers in the design.
