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How to Make Background Transparent in Canva?

Would you like to use your Canva design on a different background or layer it with another design? Creating a transparent background in Canva can be the key to achieving this. Interestingly, through Canva, it’s as simple as clicking a few buttons. In this blog, we will guide you step by step on how to make a background transparent in Canva.

We will also discuss the advantages of using a transparent background and compare it with a white background. So let’s dive in and unlock the power of transparent backgrounds in Canva!

Understanding the Need for a Transparent Background in Canva

Transparent backgrounds let you experiment with your design as they add flexibility to the entire design. When backgrounds are made transparent, it enhances the versatility of designs, allowing seamless overlay of images on different backgrounds.

They give a professional and polished look to designs, blending well with any layout. By eliminating distracting elements, transparent backgrounds focus on the main subject, which is often required for product shoots and other marketing activities.

Also Read: How to add fonts to Canva: A step-by-step guide

Steps to Make a Transparent Background in Canva

Getting a transparent background in Canva is a straightforward process; here’s how you do it:

  • Ensure that you are logged into your Canva Pro or Canva Enterprise account.
  • Upload the image you wish to work on or choose an existing image.
  • Click the ‘Edit Image’ button located in the top toolbar.
  • Navigate to the left side panel and select ‘Background Remover.’
  • Upon clicking ‘Background Remover,’ the background will disappear instantly.
  • Once you are content with the image without its background, click “Share” to download the image with a removed background. Alternatively, you can use CTRL + Z or Command + Z (on Mac OS) to undo recent changes made to the image.
  • Continue designing the image and download it as soon as you’re finished.

How to Download an Image with a Transparent Background in Canva

Once you are done creating or editing your design, you can download it effortlessly with a transparent background in a PNG file format. Remember, you need a Canva Pro or Canva Enterprise version to do this.

To download your design with a transparent background in Canva, simply click on the download button located in the top-right corner of the Canva toolbar. From the options, select PNG as the file format to ensure optimal transparency. Before downloading, make sure to enable the “Transparent background” option to remove any unwanted background color or image.

If needed, you can also adjust the image quality settings to suit your preferences. Lastly, save the PNG file to your desired location. And that’s it! You now have your design with a transparent background ready to use.

Advantages of Using a Transparent Background

The use of transparent backgrounds is a vital element of graphic design for several reasons:

  • Seamless Blending: A transparent background allows your image to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, creating a natural and integrated appearance.
  • Unrestricted Design Freedom: With no background constraints, you have the freedom to position your image in creative and unconventional ways within a design.
  • Dynamic Overlays: Transparent backgrounds facilitate dynamic overlays, enabling you to superimpose images or graphics without any visual interference from the background.
  • Focused Attention: The absence of a background directs viewers’ focus solely on the subject, ensuring they grasp the intended message or concept more effectively.
  • Aesthetic Simplicity: A transparent background simplifies the overall aesthetic, eliminating clutter and presenting a clean and elegant visual.
  • Effortless Integration: Transparent backgrounds make it effortless to incorporate images into diverse designs, regardless of color schemes or patterns, without clashing.
  • Enhanced Print Options: For print materials, a transparent background expands your options by allowing the image to adapt to different colored or textured surfaces seamlessly.
  • Adaptive Branding: Logos and brand elements with transparent backgrounds can adapt to various marketing materials, maintaining brand consistency across a range of media.
  • Photographic Realism: Images with a transparent background offer a sense of photographic realism, as the subject appears naturally placed in any context or scene.
  • Customizable Context: The absence of a fixed background empowers you to tailor the context to suit specific themes or moods, enhancing the overall impact of the image.

If nothing else, transparent backgrounds open doors to unlimited creativity and experimentation.

A White Background vs A Transparent Background

When it comes to backgrounds, a white background can be clean and classic, but it may not always blend well with all layouts. On the other hand, a transparent background offers more flexibility and versatility for different designs.

While white backgrounds can sometimes appear visually heavy or overpowering, transparent backgrounds allow for a seamless integration of images into various backgrounds. Choosing between a white background and a transparent background ultimately depends on the intended use and desired aesthetic.

Which Version of Canva Makes a Transparent Background?

To make a transparent background in Canva, you need to upgrade to Canva Pro or Canva for Enterprise. These versions offer the option to create transparency in your designs. Unfortunately, the free version of Canva does not support transparent backgrounds.

With Canva Pro or Enterprise, you can also use the “Remove Background” tool to remove backgrounds from images. Upgrading gives you access to more advanced transparency features.

How to Make the Background Transparent in Canva for Free

Though you need a Canva Pro or Canva Enterprise subscription to make the background transparent, the free version also gives you some capabilities to make elements/objects transparent in your design.

Here’s how you do it

  • Select the image/element or text box you want to make transparent or adjust the transparency.
  • On the top, you will see a checkbox icon; click that icon so that a slider appears.
  • Adjust the transparency slider according to the level of transparency desired.
  • Now that you’ve set the transparency level of your object, you can continue working on your design or download it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my background not transparent in Canva?

Firstly, you should have a Canva Pro or Canva Enterprise subscription to achieve complete transparency in your designs. If you are logged in through an account with an active subscription, check if the background layer is selected and remove any unwanted elements.
Next, ensure that your design is saved in a file format that supports transparency, like PNG or SVG. If nothing works, try refreshing your browser or clearing your cache.

Can I remove a white background on Canva?

Yes, it is possible to remove a white background in Canva. You can utilize the “Background Remover” tool or choose the “Transparent” option in the color palette to make the background transparent. Remember to save your image as a PNG file to preserve the transparency.

Are there any tips or tricks for achieving the best results when making a background transparent in Canva?

Use high-quality images with clear edges. For simple backgrounds, use the “background remover” tool; for complex backgrounds, use the “erase” tool. Zoom in and take your time to ensure thorough removal. Save your design as a PNG file to maintain transparency.

Get Canva Compatible Files That Are 100% Editable in Canva Forever

You can only go so far with doing everything on your own, but when you scale, you require experts to handle the design for you. That’s why Design Shifu is here to help you. Our Canva-compatible, 100% editable files allow you to make changes to the designs in your Canva board itself.
You won’t require any professional expertise or need to reuse the designs made by Design Shifu. Check out our unlimited graphic design plans to get started.

How to Add Fonts to Canva? A Step-by-Step Guide

Even though Canva has a huge library of fonts, sometimes you just can’t make peace with what everyone else is using, which makes you add fonts to Canva. When it comes to being unique and that too while following the brand guidelines, custom fonts become your best friend.

Owing to the above notion, let’s help you answer the question “How to Add Fonts to Canva?” and help you upload custom fonts to Canva along with troubleshooting in case you face any problems.

Understanding Canva and its Font Library

Understanding Canva and Its Font Library

Canva’s font library is a treasure trove for your graphic design projects. With a wide array of fonts, including the Creative Market collection, you can easily find the perfect one to elevate your designs. In case you cannot find one, you can use our guide to add fonts to Canva with ease. 

Accessing Canva’s font library is a breeze – simply use the web browser or mobile app.

You can search for specific fonts using the search bar, making it convenient to find exactly what you need.

Canva supports popular font file types like WOFF, TTF, and OTF, ensuring compatibility with your design files. It’s a great resource for adding that extra touch of creativity to your visuals.

Also Read: How to Make Background Transparent in Canva?

Why Custom Fonts are Essential for Your Design

Why Custom Fonts are Essential for Your Design

The use of custom fonts in your design can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and effectiveness of your projects for several reasons. Here’s why adding fonts to Canva could be beneficial:

Desired Branding: There is no guarantee that you will find a font that fits correctly with your brand identity. Custom fonts give your brand a distinct and exclusive typographic identity according to your preference, helping it stand out in a crowded market. 

Tailored Messaging: You can design custom fonts to convey specific emotions or messages that align with your brand’s values and purpose. Custom fonts allow you to convey your message most effectively.

Design Freedom: Custom fonts offer design freedom, allowing you to create unique letterforms and styles that standard fonts can’t match. With custom fonts, you are restricted to using the default typography, you can play around as much as you want to.

Enhanced Legibility: You can optimize custom fonts for legibility, ensuring your content is easily read across various media. Custom fonts of your choice can spark and perfect balance between style and readability.

Consistency: Custom fonts maintain a consistent look and feel across all your design materials, reinforcing brand recognition.

Reduced Licensing Hassles: By creating your font, you eliminate ongoing licensing costs and potential legal issues associated with standard fonts. Also, it works as your own Intellectual property, which gathers value from your brand equity.

Unique User Experience: Custom fonts contribute to a unique and memorable user experience on websites, apps, and printed materials. The same user experience turns into brand recall for the brand.

Creative Flexibility: Making your own fonts allows you to adapt and evolve your brand’s visual identity as needed. There won’t be any bar to experimentation when going ahead with a custom font for your brand.

How to Add Fonts to Canva?

Adding custom fonts to Canva is pretty straightforward, let’s get started:

Step 1: Start by downloading the desired font file from a reputable source. If you already don’t have a font file with you.

Step 2: From the left panel, click “Brand” and access the Brand Kit feature. Remember, you need a Canva Pro subscription to use the brand kit feature. 

Step 3: Upload the downloaded font file (or your own font) to your Canva Brand Kit. It allows you to upload different fonts for different sections as shown below. Once done, you can enjoy uniformity in your design with ease.

Do you think this is too much work finding and uploading all the fonts, logo variations, color palettes, etc.? If yes, then you should let the experts handle it for you. 

At Design Shifu, we provide you with Canva-compatible, editable files so you can always make changes to the Canva board. 

You can get customized templates, social media posts, and newsletter templates designed by us and make changes to the same files on Canva with ease. Check out our unlimited graphic design plans to get started.

Downloading the Desired Font

In case you cannot find your desired font in the Canva library, go ahead and download one from the Internet using these simple steps:

Step 1: To download the desired font for your Canva design, start by visiting a trusted website or marketplace like Google Fonts. You can also download fonts using other trusted sites like Creative Market, Envato Elements, Behance, etc.

Step 2: Search for the font you want and download the font file in a compatible format like WOFF or TTF as these formats are supported by Canva. 

Next, save the font file to your computer or mobile device, making sure it’s error-free. If the font file is in a zip file, make sure that you unzip it first and you are good to go.

Using the Brand Kit on Canva

To access the Brand Kit feature on Canva, upgrade to Canva Pro. 

Once you’ve upgraded, find and access the “Brand” tab in the left panel of your Canva account. 

Use these steps to use the brand kit in your designs while you are designing:

Access brand logos by navigating to the ‘Logos’ section in the left panel. In case the ‘Logos’ section is not visible, click on the three dots labeled ‘More’ and locate the ‘Logos’ folder within the extended options.

When attempting to insert a header or subheader from the ‘Text’ section, the font styles will automatically align with your chosen preferences.

If you wish to modify the background, elements, or text colors, you’ll find the brand color palette(s) within the color swatch options.

Effortlessly switch between various brands by utilizing the brand name dropdown. These dropdowns are accessible wherever your brand elements are located—such as the logos folder, color palettes, font styles, and more.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Font Upload

Having trouble uploading fonts to Canva? Don’t worry, it’s a common issue that can be easily resolved. First, make sure your font file is in a compatible format like WOFF, TTF, or OTF. 

Check the file for any errors or corruption. Additionally, ensure that you have a Canva Pro subscription, as the font upload feature is only available for Pro users. 

For a smoother upload experience, clear your browser cache and restart the Canva app. If the issue persists, reach out to Canva support for assistance.

Does Canva Support All Font File Types?

Canva supports popular font file types like WOFF, TTF, and OTF, including the WOFF format. Before uploading, make sure the font file is compatible with Canva. Canva does not support less common or proprietary font file types. Also, ensure that the font file size is within Canva’s limits. If you encounter any issues, consider converting the font file to a supported format.

Is Canva Pro Necessary to Add Custom Fonts?

While Canva Pro provides access to a wide range of fonts, the free version of Canva does not allow you to import custom fonts. However, Canva’s free version still offers a selection of fonts to choose from. If you’re not currently a Canva Pro user, you can click here for a free trial of the Pro version. Trust me, it’s worth it! Canva Pro offers the additional benefit of uploading and using your own brand fonts through the brand kit feature.

How to add Google Fonts to Canva?

Adding Google Fonts to Canva is a simple process. 

Step 1: First, visit the Google Fonts website and select the fonts you want to use. 

Step 2: Once you have chosen your desired fonts, click on the “Download” button to download them to your computer. 

Step 3: Next, open Canva and go to the design you are creating.

Step 4: Now, we will change the font being used. Click the font that is currently from the top and then see at the bottom.

Step 5: Click upload font and select the file you wish to upload and you will be good to go.

Step 6: Access the newly uploaded font from here only and use it in your design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I upload a font to Canva?

To upload a font to Canva, ensure it’s in a supported file format like .ttf or .otf. Check if the font is already available in Canva’s library. Remember, copyrighted or licensed fonts may require permission. If you’re having trouble, try reopening your browser or logging out and back in.

Where do you find your favorite fonts to upload to Canva?

There are various websites where you can discover and download your favorite fonts, including free fonts, to use in Canva. Popular font resources like DaFont, Google Fonts, and Font Squirrel offer a wide selection of free fonts to choose from. After downloading the font, simply upload it to Canva by clicking on the “Upload a font” button.

What font file types are supported in canva?

Canva supports various font file types, including TrueType (.ttf), OpenType (.otf), and Web Open Font Format (.woff). You can choose from the built-in library or upload your own fonts by clicking on “Upload a font” in the Text tab. Just make sure you have the appropriate licensing rights for any fonts you upload or use in Canva.

How to add custom fonts to canva mobile app?

To upload a custom font on Canva mobile, go to Brand Kit on the sidebar, scroll to Fonts, and tap Add a font to upload from your device. While editing text, tap the font dropdown, scroll down, and tap Upload a font to directly upload it. The font will be available in your designs after it is uploaded!

Conclusion

It is the font that makes or breaks your design. That’s the reason, why using custom fonts is critical for any brand. Custom fonts make you stand out while you keep your brand consistency intact.

Brands use unique designs to get more eyeballs and custom fonts are the biggest contributor here.

By downloading the desired font, accessing Canva’s Brand Kit, and uploading the font to your Brand Kit, you can seamlessly incorporate your favorite fonts into your designs. In case you start feeling overwhelmed with the whole Canva brand kit process, Design Shifu is here to help. You can edit files designed by us anytime and anywhere with our seamless Canva integration. That’s like the unlimited reusability of a single template. So what are you waiting for? Book a call here to get started.