Canva Design Updates Your Small Business Needs: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer
24 May 2024

Welcome, small business owners! Canva has rolled out some spectacular updates for 2024 that are perfect for elevating your brand. Whether you’re a seasoned Canva user or new to the platform, these tools will significantly enhance your design capabilities. From the innovative Glow Up interface to AI-driven Magic Media Graphics, there's something for everyone. Dive in as we explore these exciting features and how you can utilise them to skyrocket your design game.

Step 1: Embrace the New Glow Up Interface

Why it Matters: The revamped editor streamlines your design experience with a cleaner, more intuitive layout.

  • Access tools as pop-ups that appear only when needed, reducing clutter.
  • Use the new option to toggle between thumbnail and scroll views for better navigation.
  • Star your favourite graphics for quick access in the sidebar.

Step 2: Bulk Create with Images

Effortless Batch Designs: Now, easily create multiple designs at once using images.

  • Open a design and decide which text and images to replace.
  • Navigate to the app section and choose Bulk Create.
  • Enter your data manually or upload a CSV file. Make sure your images are inserted into frames for seamless integration.
  • Use the connect data option for text boxes and images, then generate multiple designs with just a few clicks.

Step 3: Blend AI Tool

Create Cohesive Imagery: Merge images naturally with the new Blend feature.

  • Select the images you want to combine and click on Blend under the app section.
  • Use Canva's AI to generate harmonised versions of your images, making them look like they belong together.

Step 4: Add Borders and Round Corners

Simplify Borders: Adding borders and rounding corners has never been easier.

  • Select an image and find the edit option.
  • Use the new border and corner rounding features to quickly add and customise borders, saving you time in your design process.

Step 5: Explore Magic Media Graphics

AI-Generated Graphics: Create custom graphics with AI prompts.

  • Go to the Magic Media option and switch to Graphics.
  • Enter a prompt and let the AI generate bespoke graphic elements, perfect for when you can’t find the right element in Canva’s library.

Step 6: Click to Select Features

Precision Editing: Select specific parts of your graphic with ease.

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  • Use the magic grab tool to select multiple areas in your image for precise edits.
  • Employ the brush tool for manual selections if needed.

Step 7: Apply Template Styles

Fast Style Changes: Transform styles with just a few clicks.

  • Hover over the desired template’s style and apply it to your existing page.
  • The fonts, colours, and elements adjust automatically, aligning with your brand effortlessly.

Step 8: Leverage AI Video Highlights

Video Editing Simplified: AI identifies key moments for you.

  • Use the highlights option to let AI organise your video’s best segments.
  • Select preferred moments and let Canva automatically create a cohesive video from those selections.

Step 9: Updated Document Features

Create with AI: Transform presentations into documents.

  • Use Magic switch to convert a presentation into a document like a blog post.
  • Choose from pre-set options or tailor a prompt for custom conversion.

Step 10: Access the New Editor

Exclusive Access: Be among the first to try the new Canva interface.

  • Click the For You button seven times. This interaction unlocks early access to Canva’s newly designed features.

These updates are about making your design projects not just more accessible, but also more enjoyable and efficient. Let these tools transform how you communicate your brand’s story visually. Have fun exploring all that Canva offers and elevate your small business design process today!

Jacqui Naunton // White Deer