Using Canva for Professional Print Projects
If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably seen a design that was made in Canva—whether you realized it or not. Canva has become a go-to design tool for small business owners, marketers, and anyone who needs to whip up something eye-catching on their socials and also are using Canva for their professional print projects
Why People Love Canva
- It’s ridiculously easy. No design degree required—just drag, drop, and you’re off to the races.
- It’s fast. Need an Instagram post before lunch? A flyer before your meeting? Done and done.
- It’s loaded with templates. Thousands of them. Social posts, business cards, presentations—you name it.
- It’s collaborative. Your whole team can jump in and edit together, even if you’re on opposite sides of the planet.
- It’s affordable. The free version is solid, and Canva Pro costs way less than most design software subscriptions.
Where Canva Falls Short
- Customization is limited. You can make things look good—but you can’t do everything a pro tool like Photoshop or Illustrator can.
- Templates can look… familiar. Because so many people use Canva, you’ll need to customize designs if you want to stand out.
- Export options are basic. No true vector files, and fewer advanced format choices.
- Big projects can lag. Complex designs with tons of elements may slow down your browser.
- Licensing can be tricky. Some images and fonts have restrictions for commercial use—always double-check.
- You’ll need Wi-Fi. Most features require an internet connection, so it’s not the best for offline work.
Using Canva for Professional Print Projects
One of the great perks of exporting your designs from Canva is that you can take them straight to a local printer and get professional-quality results without any hassle. Once you’ve created your design, you can download it in high-resolution formats (PDF, PNG, SVG)—perfect for everything from flyers and posters to business cards. Working with a local printer means you can see proofs in person, choose the exact paper stock or finish you want, and get your project in your hands faster. Plus, you’re supporting a local business while ensuring your printed piece looks just as good in real life as it does on your screen.
Here’s a step-by-step bulleted list for exporting a high-quality, print-ready PDF from Canva:
- Finish your design and ensure all elements are correctly aligned, with sufficient bleed if needed.
- Click the “Share” button in the top right corner of Canva.
- Select “Download” from the dropdown menu.
- In the File Type dropdown, choose “PDF Print” (this is Canva’s high-quality, print-ready option).
- Check the “Crop marks and bleed” box if your printer requires them (often recommended for edge-to-edge printing).
- Enable “Flatten PDF” if you want to reduce printing issues caused by layered text or elements.
- If your design contains images, Canva automatically exports at 300 DPI for PDF Print, which is suitable for professional printing.
- Review your settings and confirm colors, fonts, and layout before exporting.
- Click the “Download” button to save your print-ready PDF to your computer.
The Bottom Line & Using Canva for Professional Print Projects
Canva is a lifesaver when you need quick, polished designs—especially if you’re not a full-time graphic designer. It’s affordable, easy to use, and full of ready-made templates, fonts, and graphics that make creating something beautiful a breeze. But here’s the thing: if you want total creative control, truly unique branding, or advanced design features, you might still want to keep professional software in your back pocket.
And here’s a little pro tip—once you’ve created your masterpiece in Canva, exporting it and working with a local printer can take it to the next level. A local printer can help you choose the perfect paper, finishes, and colors so your design looks incredible in real life—not just on your screen. You’ll get personalized advice, faster turnaround times, and the chance to support a business in your community. Think of it like this: Canva is the frozen pizza that gets dinner on the table in minutes, but pairing it with a skilled local printer? That’s your gourmet, wood-fired upgrade.