Canva

What Is It, In Plain Words?

Canva is a free website and app for making cards, invitations, posters and photo collages. You start from a ready-made design and change the words and pictures.

It has AI tools too: you can describe a picture and it makes one, or ask it to help write the words.

What You Can Use It For

• Birthday cards and invitations. Pick a design, add the name and date, and print or email it.
• Club posters. Make a poster for the village coffee morning.
• Photo collages. Put family photos together for a gift.

Getting Started Step By Step

On A Computer

1. Open your web browser and go to canva.com. Check the address carefully, because look-alike sites exist.
2. Click Sign up and use your email or a Google or Facebook account.
3. Type what you want in the search box, such as "birthday card".
4. Click a design you like. Click any words to change them.
5. When you're done, click Share and then Download to print, or send it by email.

On A Phone Or Tablet

1. Open the App Store (iPhone and iPad) or Google Play (Android).
2. Search for Canva and check it's made by Canva. Copycat apps exist.
3. Tap Get or Install, then open it.

Things To Try Typing

Things to search for or ask in Canva.

What It Costs

Canva is free to use, with thousands of free designs. A paid plan called Canva Pro adds more designs and tools.

We couldn't confirm the price of Canva Pro on the official site when we checked on 16 October 2026, so we're not printing a figure. Please check the official site for the current price where you live.

Privacy And Safety

• Your designs are saved in your Canva account. Be careful when sharing a design link, because anyone with the link may see it.
• Don't put home addresses or phone numbers on posters you share online.
• Never type passwords, PINs, bank or card numbers, your National Insurance number (UK) or Social Security number (USA).

Good Points And Watch-Outs

Good Points

• Thousands of free designs.
• No design skills needed.
• You can zoom in while you work.

Watch-Outs

• Designs with a crown symbol are paid.
• There's a lot on screen at first. Start with one template.
• Printing at home can look different from the screen.

Similar Tools

• Google Photos: backs up photos and finds them by search.
• Suno: makes a song from your description.
• ChatGPT: the best-known chatbot, with a simple app and voice mode.

Common Questions

Is Canva free?

Yes. Canva Pro adds extra designs and tools, but the free version is plenty for cards and posters.

Can I print my design?

Yes. Click Share, then Download, and choose PDF Print.

What does the crown symbol mean?

Items with a crown need Canva Pro.