How to Use Text Options in Canva

In today’s guide, you will learn about how to use the text options in Canva. Text plays an important part in relaying information as well as catching the viewer’s attention. With Canva, you can use ready made text layouts or upload your own font.

We are using the Free Version of Canva for this tutorial.

Step 1 - Select a Template

Log into Canva, then on the main page choose a template or click on Create a design top right. We chose a Facebook Post template.

A new window will open, this will be your work area. On the left side panel, click on the Templates icon then choose from the numerous templates available. If you need more information, check out our tutorial on using templates in Canva.

We went with a yummy birthday template.

Step 2 - Canva Text Options Explained

You will find the Text panel on the left side.

Once you click on the text in the template, a range of editing options become available in the top toolbar.

Change the Font in Canva

Change the font by selecting the text object, then clicking on the Font Name top toolbar. This will open the font options on the left side. Fonts that are only available to Pro users will have a little crown icon.

Scroll through and click on a font to apply. You are also welcome to use your purchased fonts in Canva for an even wider selection.

Resize the Font

The font can be resized by clicking + dragging a corner handle in or out. You can also resize by using the Font Size box on the top toolbar.

Edit the Text Color

At the top toolbar, click on the Text Color to open the color options on the left side. Here, Canva will provide a set of Photo Colors from the image as well as Default Colors.

You can also use the Color Picker option under the Document Colors. Do this by clicking on the “plus” icon in the multicolored box. You can now choose from the color palette or click on the eye-dropper to activate.

Move your cursor over the image to sample a color.

Adjust Line Spacing and More

If available, you can use Bold, Italics or Underline depending on the text. Next, we have the following options.

Uppercase - adjusts the text to lower or upper case.

Alignment - change how the text aligns to the text box

List - turn the text into a numbered or bulleted list

Then we have Spacing, where you can adjust the Letter and Line Spacing. At the bottom of this selection is the Anchor Text Box. This is the point from which the line spacing moves.

We created a short visual graphic with added text to make this easier to understand.

Add Text Effects and Animations

You can edit your text further by using text Effects in Canva. This is a great way to add some definition to your text.

To animate your text, click on the Animate button top toolbar. Here you have quite a bit of creative freedom with the numerous options available.

Step 3 - Add and Edit Text in Canva

With a better understanding of text options, we can now make use of them. We decided to delete the text already on the template and add another style.

Hold Shift + click to select the text then hit Delete on your keyboard or click the Dustbin top right.

Add Text to Canva Template

Under the Text Panel you have the option of adding your own lines of text. These are in the forms of Add a heading, Add a subheading and Add a little bit of body text. The options are already sized but you can still resize them.

Click on one of the options to add to the template.

Using the toolbar above, change the font, size, color and so on.

Use Font Combinations

You also have the options of ready made Font Combinations on the left side. At the top use the keyword search to look for a specific category e.g. Birthday.

Font Combinations can be grouped and ungrouped to make editing easier.

Complete your Canva Template Design

Once you have added your text, experiment with the arrangement, fonts, size and so on to get the result you want. This is what our final design looks like with a bit of Effects added.

Now you can download your file and share with family and friends. Using text options in Canva provides a flexible and creative workflow to your designs. With the huge amount of text options available, you can create uniquely styled posts that stand out. We hope you have found this tutorial informative and fun to follow.