Content creators and other professionals around the world are flocking to Canva to take advantage of all the free tools it offers. Depending on the size of your business, the Pro and Enterprise versions are also very affordable. 

However, one aspect of web design that can catch an amatuer off guard is the concept of file types. There are very specific file types that Canva accepts, including JPG, MP4, and PDF. Keep reading to learn about all the files Canva accepts, and how to convert them into the ones they don’t. 

What Files Can You Upload to Canva?  

Canva supports different file types that you can download and use on other platforms. There are some limitations, depending on how specific your needs are. However, the file types they do support are the most commonly used and the most easily converted. 

  • Images
    • JPG is one of the most commonly used file types and is great for basic photography, thumbnails, brochures, and other solid images. PNG files are best for graphics that need to either be completely transparent or have a transparent background. 
  • Videos
    • Canva is amazing for creating GIF files. Since these videos are usually meant to short, snappy, and comedic, you can take full advantage of all the animation tools that Canva hahs to offer. You can also use MP4 files for your larger videos. However, Canva is currently limited and only supports MP4 files at or under 500 MB.   
  • Documents
    • If you are creating flyers or brochures, you need to make sure that these files are created as PDF Standards. This will allow you to open and edit them in Microsoft Word and other document formats. If you are looking to print these documents at a higher resolution, Canva also supports PDF Print at 300 dpi. PPTX is also a file type Canva accepts that is specifically used for Microsoft PowerPoint.   

Vector Files 

One thing to always keep in mind when you are creating your images on Canva is what format you are using it on. The reason Canva has countless templates for different size photos (Youtube thumbnails, Tiktok frames, paper brochures, ets) is that they do not support vector files. 

A vector file is a file that will allow you to download the photo at any size while keeping the resolution and clarity the same. This is especially important if you are creating a business logo or any other marketing material. 

If this is the case for you, don’t despair! There are many ways you can convert your image into a vector file once it’s downloaded. Do some research to discover which one is right for you.

Conclusion 

Canva is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a fast and easy way to create marketing, educational, or personal brand materials. They support most standard file types, and there are tons of ways for you to convert them into less popular file types once they’re downloaded. 

If you are new to the world of digital content and file types, don’t let the jargon overwhelm you. With some help from good old Google, you can quickly research which file types you need and how to convert them into a different file type if necessary. 

If you are a little more tech savvy, you will enjoy how easy Canva makes it to find templates, file sizes, and anything else you need to complete your many projects to come.  

Sources: