How to Use Canva Templates Like a Pro in 2025

How to Use Canva Templates Like a Pro in 2025

the how-to series

How to Use Canva Templates Like a Pro

If you've ever seen a beautiful Instagram post, ebook, or business card and thought, "How do people make those?" chances are, Canva had a hand in it.

Canva templates make professional-quality designs possible for everyone, no graphic design degree needed. And when you buy a Canva template from Affirmed Visionary, you're getting a fully editable, brand-aligned tool to level up your business or personal brand.

Let's walk through exactly how to use a Canva template like a pro, step-by-step.

What Is a Canva Template?

A Canva template is a pre-made design you can customise inside Canva's free, beginner-friendly editor.

You can easily change:

  • Text
  • Fonts
  • Colors
  • Images
  • Layouts

Instead of starting from scratch, you start from success and simply tweak it to match your own vision.

Why You Might Receive a Canva Template

Imagine scrolling Affirmed Visionary's store and finding the perfect social media kit, lead magnet, or digital journal cover. You check out and, instead of a static file, you receive a link to edit your own version inside Canva.

This gives you maximum flexibility to make it yours without tech stress.

How to Use Canva Templates on Desktop

1. Click the Template Link

It will open directly in Canva's browser editor.

2. Click "Use Template"

This copies the design into your personal Canva account, free or Pro.

3. Customise Your Design

Change text, swap colours, upload your logo, make it uniquely yours.

4. Save or Download

You can export as a PDF, PNG, JPG, or simply keep it digital inside Canva!

How to Use Canva Templates on Mobile

On iPhone or Android:

1. Tap the template link

It opens the Canva app (download if needed).

2. Tap "Use Template"

Edit right from your phone.

3. Save or export

When you're ready!

Canva's mobile app is powerful but still beginner-friendly, perfect for on-the-go edits.

Common Mistakes and Easy Fixes

Don't edit the original template directly

Normally, click "Use Template" to create your own private copy.

If you are taken straight into a design without seeing the "Use Template" option, don't worry:
Go to File > Make a Copy to safely duplicate it into your own Canva account.

If fonts or elements are missing:

Some templates use Canva Pro assets. If you're using a free account, simply swap for a free element or font.

Images not downloading clearly?

Choose "PDF Print" or "High Quality PNG" when exporting your designs for the best visual results.

Bonus Tip: Master Your Canva Templates Like a Pro

To speed up your workflow and keep your designs consistent, take advantage of Canva's "Change All" feature. It lets you quickly swap fonts or colours across an entire project, saving you time and effort while maintaining a cohesive look throughout your design.

When working with templates, always create two copies as soon as you open them. Save one as your Master Copy, titled something like "Master Copy [Vendor Name] [Product Name] [Date]", and store it in a folder called "Templates." This acts as your untouched backup. Then make a second copy, your working version, for active editing and experimentation. Having both ensures you never lose your original design if you want to start again or make adjustments later.

If your template comes with PLR or commercial rights, make it your own before publishing or selling. Start by using Canva's Magic Write (found inside Canva Docs) to rewrite any text in your own brand voice. Then customise everything from colours and fonts to images and layouts using your Brand Kit. This step is where your unique branding shines, transforming a standard template into something that looks and feels completely yours.

Ready to Keep Creating?

Ready for more beautifully designed templates?

Explore our free Magazine, The Visionary Starter Kit, packed with multiple Canva templates and creative resources, all ready for you to customise!

Grab Your Free Copy Here

Want to take your Canva skills even further?

Check out the DQ Canva Academy hosted on Skool, where you'll learn how to create your own digital products and edit PLR templates like a true visionary pro.

Join the DQ Canva Academy
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