Get started with the Canva Desktop App

The Canva Desktop App gives you access to the same features and functionality as using Canva in a browser. Find out about the minimum requirements, and steps on how to download the app and receive notifications.

Learn more how-tos and Canva Desktop App basics.

This supports both the Apple and Intel processors, so no need to check which one you have.

This supports both the Windows 32-bit and Windows 64-bit processors, so no need to check which one you have.

By using the Desktop App, your system’s notifications will notify you for the following:

• When a design or folder is shared with you
• When a design or folder is shared with a team that you’re part of
• When you’re mentioned in a comment
• When someone replies to your comment
• When you’re assigned a task
• When your assigned task is resolved
• When there are new comments on designs you own

For Canva Teams and Canva Education users, you’ll also get notifications for the following:

• When someone requests access to your design
• When someone asks for design approval
• When your design approval request is approved or rejected

1. Open your device’s System Preferences.
2. Go to Notifications.
3. Select Canva from the list of apps and toggle the switch to turn on notifications for Canva. You can also change your notifications delivery and display preferences.

1. Open your device’s Settings.
2. Go to System and then Notifications.
3. Toggle the switch to turn on notifications.
4. Scroll down and make sure to turn on notifications for Canva too.

If an update is available, you’ll be notified in the app.

1. On the top corner of the app, click Update App.
2. On the update dialog, click Update Canva App.

The app will close. It will relaunch automatically after the update is done.

• Try the same feature on browsers. Most desktop app features work on browsers too.
• Ensure that your Canva for Desktop app is up-to-date.
• Ensure that your device’s OS is up-to-date.
• Reset the app to its default state. No designs will be lost. (Windows: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Advanced options > Reset > Confirm. Mac: Finder > type ~/Library > Select Canva > Delete all folders related to Canva except for the app itself > Restart the app.)
• Force quit the app. You may lose unsaved changes. (Windows: ctrl + alt + delete on your keyboard. Mac: Click the Apple menu > Force quit > Select Canva > Force quit)

If your Canva Desktop App is slowing down or using too much memory, Memory Saver helps free up resources by pausing inactive tabs so the app runs faster.

1. Open your Canva Desktop App.
2. Go to Settings, then click the gear icon in the top-right corner.
3. Find Memory Saver by Going to App Performance, then Turn Proactive Memory Saver on or off, depending on what you prefer.

• Urgent Memory Saver (Always On): Automatically pauses tabs when your computer is low on memory. You can’t turn this off.
• Proactive Memory Saver (On by Default): Pauses inactive tabs before memory runs low to keep Canva running smoothly. You can turn this off in settings.

You’ll know a tab is paused if you see a dotted circle icon on it. Just click the tab to bring it back.

For more ways to keep Canva running smoothly, check out the Technical Requirements page.