Setting Up and Your First Design
Create your first design
The fastest way to start with Canva is a template - a ready-made design you personalise in minutes. In this lesson you will create a square Instagram post from a template, the same way millions of beginners start.
Choose the right size
On the home screen, tap Create a design and pick a size. For this lesson choose Instagram Post (Square) - 1080 x 1080 px. Canva lists the common sizes so you do not need to remember dimensions.
Browse templates
In the editor, tap Templates to see hundreds of ready-made square designs. Search for a keyword like "welcome" or "sale" to narrow it down. Free templates show no crown icon; Pro templates show a crown.
Edit the template
- Tap the text on the template and type your own words
- Tap a photo and choose Replace to swap in your own image
- Tap the background area to change the colour
- Tap Done after each edit to keep the toolbars out of the way
Download your design
Tap the share / download arrow (top right), choose PNG for sharp images, and save to your phone. Your design is now ready to post.
Tip: When you replace template text, keep the template's fonts, sizes and layout first. Only adjust after your own words are in place - the original designer already solved the layout.
Warning: Look at the tag on each element before you use it. Free accounts can only use elements marked Free (no crown).
Practical exercise
Your first design:
- Create an Instagram Square (1080 x 1080) design
- Choose a free template you like
- Replace the text and photo with your own content
- Download it as a PNG and view it in your gallery
Check your understanding
Where do you pick a size in Canva? Tap Create a design and choose from the size list.How do you know an element is free? Free elements show no crown icon; Pro elements show a crown.What format is best for sharp images? PNG.
Answer the questions out loud or on paper. If any are hard, re-read this lesson before moving on.
This is a free preview lesson
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