Fix offline editing errors and sync issues
If you're having trouble with offline editing, learn how to fix sync issues, recover changes, and avoid common problems.
What you need to know
- Your changes are saved locally on your device while offline.
- You must reconnect within 7 days to sync your changes.
- Keep Canva open and stay online until you see All changes synced.
- Avoid clearing browser data or signing out while offline.
Avoid adding video or audio while offline, as this can cause broken media or prevent your changes from saving when you reconnect.
Looking for something specific?
- New to offline editing? Set up and use offline editing
- Fix sync issues in the troubleshooting section below
Understand syncing messages
When preparing for offline
- Making available offline - Design is being prepared
- Ready for offline use - You can edit without internet
- Failed to make available offline - Try again
While working offline
- Changes saved to device - Your edits are stored locally
- Not available offline - Design wasn’t enabled for offline use
When reconnecting
- Syncing changes - Your edits are uploading
- All changes synced - Everything is saved
- Sync failed - Your edits are still on your device
Troubleshoot common offline issues
Uploaded images appear broken after reconnecting
What can cause this
If you upload images while offline, they’re saved locally on your device. When you reconnect, the upload may not complete, which can leave images broken and changes unsaved.
What to do
- Select File, then select Remove offline availability.
- Check your design again.
The broken image should resolve and won’t reappear when you turn offline mode on again.If the issue persists:
- Select File, then select Make a copy.
- Open the copy and continue editing.
The image should load properly in the copy.If the image still appears broken, toggle your Wi-Fi off and on, then check again. If the image still appears broken, toggle your Wi-Fi off and on, then check again.
Changes aren’t syncing after reconnecting
What can cause this
Your connection may be unstable, or syncing was interrupted when you reconnected.
What to do
- Check for any error message in the editor
- Make sure you’re connected to a stable internet connection
- Keep Canva open until you see All changes synced
- If prompted, save a copy of your design
Design crashes after reconnecting
What can cause this
This can happen if video files were added while working offline. Videos require an internet connection to load and sync properly.
What to do
- Reopen your design after reconnecting.
- Refresh the page if needed.
- Remove the video element causing the issue.
- Re-add the video while online.
Adding video while offline may cause broken media, unsaved changes, or crashes, especially for larger files.
If your design doesn’t open, save a copy when prompted to recover your work.
Syncing is slow or stuck after reconnecting
What can cause this
Large or complex designs, slow connections, or background syncing delays.
What to do
- Keep Canva open while syncing.
- Stay connected to a stable internet connection.
- Wait for the cloud icon to stop showing activity.
If it seems stuck:
- Make sure you’re still online
- Avoid refreshing or closing the browser.
Sync time depends on design size, number of elements, and connection speed.
Large designs won’t sync properly after reconnecting
What can cause this
Designs with many elements, images, or videos take longer to process and sync.
What to do
- Remove unnecessary elements.
- Split the design into multiple files or pages.
- Reconnect using a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Changes were overwritten after offline editing and reconnecting
What can cause this
Another collaborator edited the same design while offline, causing a conflict when syncing.
What to do
- Select File, then select Version history.
- Look for offline versions with timestamps.
- Choose to restore your version or make a copy to keep both.
Coordinate with your team before working offline to avoid conflicts.
Fix storage issues
You can remove offline designs to free up space on your device.
- We recommend keeping at least 2GB of free space
Remove individual designs
- Go to canva.com/offline-designs.
- Select ⋯ More on the design you want to remove.
- Select Remove offline availability.
Remove all offline designs
- Go to Settings from your profile menu.
- Select Data and storage, then select Offline.
- Choose one of the following:
- Remove offline designs - removes all offline designs from your device.
- Delete all offline data - removes all offline designs and content from your device. It also removes other files Canva saves to help offline features work.
Removing offline access doesn't delete your designs, they'll still be saved to your Canva account online.
Fix critical errors
You’ve been offline for 7 days
Reconnect within 24 hours and keep Canva open until syncing completes.
Canva needs to refresh
Save a copy of your work, then refresh the page.
Design was deleted
Restore it from Trash, or save your version as a new design.
You lost edit access
Your changes are still saved locally. Save a personal copy to keep them.
Unsaved changes while offline
Offline access wasn’t enabled. Reconnect to save your changes.
Check device and browser settings
If offline editing isn’t working:
- Avoid private or incognito mode
- Update your browser and device
- Enable browser storage
- Try a supported browser or device
Still need help?
If you’re still having issues, contact Canva Support and include any error messages you see.You can also learn how to set up offline editing in Set up and use offline editing.
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