Canva pdf for print
Print-ready PDF from Canva – 5 steps
Canva is a popular tool for designing print products, but the PDF export settings are easy to get wrong. This guide takes you through the steps in the order shown in the image below.
Choose the correct page size
Select Create a design → Custom size and enter the product's finished dimensions (e.g. business card 85 × 55 mm, A6 flyer 105 × 148 mm). Avoid Canva's preset ad sizes – they don't match print standards. Drag backgrounds and edge-bleeding images all the way to the page edge.
Open the download menu
Click the Share button in the top right corner of Canva and select Download from the menu. This opens the export settings where you'll configure the print-ready PDF.
Choose the file type
Open the file type menu and select PDF Print. Don't choose "PDF Standard" (for sharing) or JPG/PNG (single image). PDF Print is the only option that includes the settings needed for printing.
Tick the correct options
Crop marks and bleed
Canva automatically adds a 3 mm bleed and crop marks.
Flatten PDF
Merges layers and ensures the PDF opens at the printer exactly as it appears on screen.
Choose the colour profile
CMYK – best choice for print
Use this option if you have Canva Pro. CMYK appears in the menu with a crown icon (paid feature).
RGB – works in the free version too
We convert colours at the printer. Slight shade differences may occur, but the result is usually good.
Finally, click Download and your print-ready PDF will be saved to your computer.
Common pitfalls in Canva
Wrong page size
Canva's preset ad sizes don't match print standards. Always use a custom size with the product's finished dimensions.
Low-resolution images
Make sure images don't look pixelated. Use Canva Pro's HD images or your own 300 dpi files.
Text too close to the edge
Keep important text and logos at least 3 mm inside the trim line so they're not cut off.
Transparent elements
Always tick "Flatten PDF" – otherwise shadows and transparencies may not print correctly.
We check your files for you. If you're unsure about anything, send your file as is – we'll review it before printing and let you know if something needs fixing.
