What is Canva?

• Canva is a free online graphic design program that students can use to create a wide variety of projects
• The platform is designed to be user-friendly so younger kids and older students can use it without prior graphic design experience, especially when using the pre-designed templates
• It includes built-in templates, images, fonts, and illustrations that students can use, as well as some premium content, including templates and fonts that are available with a Canva Pro account

Top concerns with Canva

• Parents should be aware that Canva does have the option to purchase individual graphics or upgrade to a Canva Pro account
• Canva makes it easy to download projects but it also offers the option to share designs on social media platforms or send them directly to friends, so parents and educators should have a conversation with students about what types of content are appropriate to share online and with others
• If students connect with Canva using a social media platform or share a design through social media, Canva may capture their contact details

What can parents & educators do?  

• Create a Canva account for yourself so that you understand how the platform works
• Canva is a great way to encourage creativity so parents and educators can look for ways to incorporate graphic design into projects, such as making a poster or creating party invitations
• Because Canva offers templates, students may opt to use them instead of creating their own unique designs. Parents and educators can encourage students to try to create designs without using a template or edit templates to make them more unique if they want to increase their skills

Privacy/setting recommendations for Canva

• We recommend logging in using an email address rather than a social media platform to avoid sharing your contact information
• Since designs can be shared directly to social media, we recommend discussing your family’s expectations about appropriate social media use before giving your student access to this app

Additional information about Canva

• Teachers working in K-12 education can receive a free Canva for Education account after they have verified their teaching certification and employment
• University students can get a free premium Canva membership through Canva for your Campus

Conclusion

Canva is an excellent graphic design program for students who are just getting started with graphic design or need a quick solution for a project. This online graphics program is free; however, having a paid Canva Pro account drastically increases students' editing options and the available templates, fonts, and illustration options.