Canva Desktop App basic how-tos
Learn about the basics on using the Canva Desktop App, where you can:
- Create new designs directly from tabs
- Open designs from links
- Pop out tabs into separate windows
- Reorder tabs
- Tab-level functions
- Open with Canva directly from the operating system file manager
- Open files on Canva via the app icon on the dock (Mac only)
- Re-open or restore recently closed tabs
- Open recent designs
- Zoom in or out of the app interface
- Find downloaded design
Want to learn more about downloading the Canva Desktop App? Get started with the Canva Desktop App.
Create new designs from a tab
Whether you’re starting from scratch or using a template, here’s how you can create new designs:
- On the top part of the app, click the Create icon.
- Select the design type or size that you want to create or you can also select Custom size. It’ll open the Canva editor on a new tab.
- To look for templates, select Design.
- Go to the Templates tab inside the editor.
Open designs from design links
Want to open designs in the app instead of your browser? You can open links that are shared outside of Canva, like design links shared to you via email or chat.
You can also set this up on your app settings:
- On the homepage, select your account profile to open the menu.
- Choose Settings.
- From the Your profile tab, go to the Link opening section.
- Toggle the switch for Open designs in a new tab or Open links in Desktop App to turn the option on or off.
Edit designs on multiple tabs
Work on multiple designs or edit side by side by dragging the tab out to a new window. This way, switching and managing designs is more efficient.
Reorder tabs
Change the order of the tabs to best suit you.
Tab-level functions
Right-click on a tab to use the following functions:
- Reload Tab
- Reopen Last Closed Tab
- Close Tab
- Close All Tabs
- Close Tabs to the Right
- Move Tab to New Window
Open Canva files from the OS file manager.
Quickly open supported media or files in Canva directly from the operating system (OS) file manager.
Open files on Canva via the app icon on the dock (Mac only)
Reopen recently closed tabs
The desktop app automatically reopens design tabs which were open when you close or update it, or when you switch teams. You can easily continue right where you left off.
Zoom in and out the app interface
Zoom in or out the app interface to best suit your needs. To zoom in or out on your design, learn how to change page view settings.
Find downloaded designs
After downloading your design, you can now easily find it on your computer.
Looking for Desktop App specific shortcuts? Learn more about Keyboard shortcuts.
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