How to export Canva designs for print

People export Canva design for social media all the time. In this post we want to show you how to export Canva designs for print.

Designing in Canva is a breeze, especially for small businesses and individuals looking for a quick and creative way to produce marketing materials.

However, when it’s time to print professionally with a company like Quinprint, it’s essential to ensure your Canva files meet print specifications. Improperly formatted files can lead to quality issues, delays, or extra costs. That’s why we want to show you how to export Canva designs for print.

This post will walk you through the steps so you know how to export Canva designs for print and get the best results possible every time.

How to export Canva designs for print – File set up

Before you start designing, ensure your Canva project is set up correctly:

1. Bleed and safe zone:
   Add a bleed to your design to extend colours or images beyond the trim edge, ensuring there are no white edges when your file is trimmed. Canva provides options to include bleed in your setup. Additionally, keep key elements like text within the safe zone (margin) to prevent them from being cut off during trimming.
   📖 Learn more about margins and bleed in Canva.
2. Size matters:
   Choose the correct dimensions for your project from the start. Canva allows you to input custom dimensions to match your desired print size. If you’re unsure, check with Quinprint for recommended sizes.

Export as a print-ready PDF

When your design is ready, follow these steps to ensure the exported file is print-ready:

1. File type:
   Canva’s preferred format for print is a Print PDF. This ensures the best resolution and quality for professional printing.
2. Flatten your PDF:
   Flattening your PDF ensures that all layers, fonts, and effects are simplified, avoiding issues during printing. Canva automatically flattens Print PDFs.
   📖 Learn how to download a flattened PDF.
3. Crop marks and bleed:
   When exporting, select the options to include crop marks and bleed. Crop marks guide the printer where to trim your design, and the bleed prevents unsightly white edges.
4. Export settings:
   • In Canva, click Share > Download.
   • Set the File Type to “PDF Print.”
   • Tick the boxes for Crop Marks and Bleed.
   • Click Download.

Double-check before sending

Before you send your file to Quinprint:

• Review the bleed: Ensure the bleed area covers all edges with colour or background elements.
• Check margins: Ensure all text and important design elements are within the safe zone.
• Verify file size: Ensure your PDF file resolution is at least 300 DPI for high-quality printing.

Why proper export settings matter

Incorrect export settings can result in:

• Poor print quality with pixelated or blurry images.
• Cropped designs that don’t match your expectations.
• Delays due to reformatting files.

By following these steps, you can ensure your project is print-ready, reducing turnaround time and guaranteeing a polished, professional finish.

Need assistance?

If you’re unsure whether your Canva design is ready for printing, don’t hesitate to reach out. Quinprint is happy to assist with file preparation to ensure your project looks perfect.

For more details, you can explore Canva’s own resources on print design and file setup.

Quinprint offers fast, high-quality printing with free local delivery. Ready to print? Send your files our way! Contact us now!