Start with a blank design or existing template

To create a template in Canva, begin by opening the design you want to turn into a reusable template. You can start from scratch by choosing a design type (like a social media post, flyer, or business card), or you can modify an existing Canva template and save it as your own. The key is having a design open in the editor.

Once your design is ready, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner of the editor. This menu gives you access to the save and template options you need. You do not need to finish the design perfectly before saving it as a template — you can leave placeholder spaces for text, images, or other elements that will change each time you use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Save a design as a template by opening the menu, selecting "Save as template," and giving it a name you will recognize later.
  • Templates work best when you leave placeholder text and images in place so others (or you) can easily swap them out without redesigning the layout.
  • Your saved templates appear in the "Your templates" section on the left sidebar, making them faster to reuse than starting from scratch each time.
  • You can organize templates by project type, client, or style, and edit them anytime if you want to change the base design.
  • Canva Pro and Team accounts let you share templates with collaborators, while free accounts can only access your own saved templates.

Name and save your template

Click the menu icon (three lines) in the top left of the editor. Scroll down until you see "Save as template." Click it. A dialog box will appear asking you to name your template. Choose a name that tells you exactly what the template is for — "Instagram Post - Product Launch," "Monthly Newsletter Header," or "Client Invoice" work better than generic names like "Template 1."

After you name it, click "Save." Canva stores the template in your account. You will see a confirmation message. The template is now saved and ready to use whenever you need a design with that same layout and style.

Use placeholder text and images effectively

The most useful templates have clear placeholders — text or images that are straightforward to find and replace. Before saving, add text like "[Your Company Name]" or "[Insert Product Image Here]" in the spots where content will change. This tells you (or anyone using the template) exactly what needs to be swapped out.

For images, place a straightforward placeholder image or shape in the area where photos will go. When you use the template later, you can click that image and replace it with a new one in seconds. Avoid locking down every detail — leave room for flexibility. If your template is too rigid, you will end up redesigning it from scratch instead of using it.

Access and reuse your templates

Your saved templates appear in the left sidebar under "Your templates" whenever you open Canva. Click any template to open it as a new design. You can then edit the placeholder text, swap images, change colors, or adjust anything else without affecting the original template.

Each time you use a template, Canva treats it as a fresh design. You can save multiple versions of the same template if you want variations — one with a light background, one with a dark background, or one sized for different platforms. This saves time when you regularly create similar designs.

Edit or delete templates you have saved

If you want to change the base template itself (not just a single use of it), right-click the template name in the "Your templates" section. You will see options to edit or delete it. Click "Edit template" to open the original and make changes. Any edits you make will explore to the template itself, so future uses will reflect those changes.

If you no longer need a template, right-click it and select "Delete." This removes it from your account permanently. You can always recreate a template from a design you have already made, so deleting one is not a permanent loss if you change your mind later.

Share templates with team members (Canva Pro and Team)

If you have a Canva Pro or Team account, you can share templates with collaborators. Open the template, click the share icon, and choose who can view or edit it. Team members can then use your template as a starting point for their own designs, which keeps everyone's work consistent.

Shared templates are especially useful when multiple people create the same type of design — a marketing team making social posts, a nonprofit creating donation flyers, or a small business producing invoices. Instead of each person designing from scratch, everyone starts with the same layout and brand elements.

Organize templates by project or style

As you save more templates, naming them clearly becomes even more important. Use a system that makes sense for your work: include the design type, the client or project name, and the date if you create multiple versions. "Social - Instagram Story - Q1 2024" tells you more than "Template A."

You can also create separate Canva projects for different clients or campaigns and save templates within each one. This keeps your template library organized and makes it easier to find the right starting point when you are under a important date. Spend a few seconds on naming now, and you will save minutes searching later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a template from a design I already created?

Yes. Open any design you have already made, click the menu icon, select "Save as template," and give it a name. Canva will save it as a reusable template without changing the original design.

What happens if I edit a template after I have already used it?

Editing the template itself does not change designs you have already created from it. Each use of a template becomes its own separate design. If you want to update all future uses, edit the template. If you want to change only one design, edit that design instead.

Can I use templates from other Canva users?

No, you can only access templates you have created yourself. However, you can duplicate any public Canva template or design and save your modified version as a new template. This lets you customize existing designs to match your needs.

Do I need Canva Pro to save templates?

No, the free version of Canva lets you save templates. Canva Pro and Team accounts add the ability to share templates with others and access more advanced organization features, but basic template saving works on any account level.

How many templates can I save?

Canva does not set a hard limit on the number of templates you can save. The practical limit depends on your account storage and how you organize them. Most users find that 20 to 50 well-named templates cover their regular design needs.