Can You Sell Canva Designs on Etsy? 5 Top Tips for Success in 2024

Reading Time: 14 minutes

Can you sell Canva designs on Etsy? The answer is yes, you can, and many creative lifestyle entrepreneurs are thriving in this space.

By harnessing the user-friendly design capabilities of Canva and the expansive marketplace of Etsy, you can turn your creative flair into profit.

A great tip to kickstart your success in selling Canva designs on Etsy is to focus on a specific niche that resonates with your personal style and fills a unique gap in the market.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive step-by-step strategy to help you launch and grow your Etsy shop selling Canva designs.

What Types of Canva Designs Are Popular on Etsy?

• Birthday and Thank You cards: These are always popular, especially around holidays and special occasions.
• Wedding invitations: This is a big market, and there is always a demand for new and creative wedding invitation designs.
• Menu and price list templates: These are useful for businesses of all sizes, and they can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of the customer.
• Social media templates: These are a great way to promote your business or brand on social media. There are templates available for all major social media platforms, including Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.
• Product label templates: These are used to create labels for products such as candles, skincare products, and food items. They can be customized to include the product name, ingredients, and other relevant information.
• Printable wall art: This is a popular trend, and there is a growing demand for high-quality printable wall art. Canva makes it easy to create beautiful and unique printable wall art that can be customized to fit any décor style.
• Digital planner templates: These are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people are looking for ways to organize their lives digitally. Canva makes it easy to create beautiful and functional digital planner templates that can be used on a variety of devices.
• Graphics for blogs and websites: If you have a blog or website, you can use Canva to create stunning graphics that will help you attract and engage visitors. There are templates available for all sorts of graphics, including headers, social media images, and infographics.

Tip 1: How To Create and Sell Your Canva Designs on Etsy: A Step by Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Your Target Audience and Niche

1. Self-Assessment and Passion

• Begin with introspection. What are you passionate about? What topics or themes naturally resonate with you?
• Focusing on your passions can ensure long-term commitment, as you’ll be genuinely interested in your chosen niche.

2. Market Research

• Visit Etsy and conduct searches related to Canva designs or printables. Note the top-selling and most-reviewed products.
• This will give you insights into current market trends, helping you gauge what’s popular.

3. Identify Gaps in the Market

• While researching, look for noticeable absences or unmet needs in the market.
• Filling a market gap can position your designs uniquely, making them stand out.

4. Understand Your Potential Customers

• Create customer personas, i.e., fictional representations of your ideal customers based on demographics, interests, and behaviors.
• Knowing who you’re selling to can guide your design decisions, ensuring they resonate with your audience.

5. Analyze Search Trends

• Use tools like Google Trends, Keyword Tool, or Etsy’s own search to see what related terms people are looking for.
• Recognizing high-demand keywords or trending topics can guide you to design themes that are currently sought-after.

6. Check Social Media

• Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook Groups can give insights into popular design aesthetics and what your target audience might be sharing or discussing.
• Tune into conversations or trends to inform your design decisions and market positioning.

7. Consider Evergreen vs. Trending Niches

• Decide whether you want to focus on evergreen themes (those that are always in demand) or capitalize on trending or seasonal themes.
• Evergreen themes provide steady sales while trending ones might give a short-term boost.

8. Validate Your Ideas

• Before fully diving in, create a few designs in your chosen niche and test them out.
• Getting early feedback or seeing initial sales can validate your niche choice or suggest necessary adjustments.

9. Flexibility

• Be prepared to pivot if you notice that a certain niche isn’t working for you.
• The ability to adapt is essential. Track your sales and feedback, and be willing to change if a niche isn’t proving profitable.

10. Engage with Your Audience

• Once you’ve started selling, engage with your buyers. Ask for feedback, reviews, or even suggestions for future designs.
• This not only builds a loyal customer base but also provides insights directly from your target audience, refining your niche further.

Step 2: Create a Canva Account (if you don’t have one)

1. Visit Canva’s Website

• Go to Canva’s official website.

2. Choose Your Sign-Up Method

• On the main page, you’ll see options to sign up using Google, Facebook, or your email.
• Click on your preferred method. For this guide, we’ll use the email option.

3. Sign Up With Email

• If using email, enter your email, desired password, and name.
• Click the “Sign up” button.

4. Specify Your Design Needs

• Canva might ask you about your intentions or what you plan to use Canva for, such as “personal”, “teacher”, “student”, “charity”, “small business”, etc. This helps Canva personalize your experience.
• Make a selection based on your needs.

5. Tour (Optional)

• If you’re new, Canva might offer a short tour or tutorial on how to use the platform. This can be helpful for beginners.
• Go through the tour or skip it, based on your preference.

6. Confirmation Email (if applicable)

• If you signed up with an email and password, check your email for a confirmation message from Canva.
• Click on the link inside this email to verify and activate your account.

7. Personalize Your Profile (Optional)

• Once logged in, you can click on the profile icon (usually at the top right corner) and choose “Profile”.
• Here, you can add a profile photo, edit your name, add a bio, and specify other personal details.

8. Start Designing!

• You’re now ready to begin your design journey on Canva. Click on “Create a design” or explore the various templates available.

9. Explore Pro Features (Optional)

• Canva offers a Pro version with advanced features, more design elements, and additional storage. If interested, you can opt for a free trial or upgrade to Canva Pro.

Step 3: Choose the Right Template

• Search for a template that matches the product you want to create (e.g., “wedding invitation”).
• Choose from free or premium templates, making sure they align with your chosen niche.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular template dimensions that might be relevant for Etsy sellers:

1. Digital Art Prints:
   • Depending on the print type, the seller might offer other sizes. Common dimensions for art prints include:
     • 5″ x 7″
     • 8″ x 10″
     • 11″ x 14″
     • A4 (210 x 297 mm)
2. Social Media Templates:
   • Etsy Shop Icon: 500 x 500 pixels
   • Etsy Shop Cover Photo: 3360 x 840 pixels
   • Etsy Listing Photo: At least 2000 pixels wide, but a 4:3 aspect ratio is recommended (e.g., 3000 x 2250 pixels)
3. T-shirt Designs:
   • Typically, a dimension of around 4500 x 5400 pixels is recommended for many Print-on-Demand platforms but check with the specific service you plan to use.
4. Sticker Designs:
   • This varies based on the sticker type, but a common size is 3″ x 3″.
5. Invitations and Cards:
   • Common sizes include:
     • 5″ x 7″
     • A6 (105 x 148 mm)
6. Digital Planners and Workbooks:
   • These can be created in A4 (210 x 297 mm) or US Letter (8.5″ x 11″) sizes.
7. Business Cards for Etsy Shop Promotion:
   • Standard size: 3.5″ x 2″
8. Product Labels & Packaging:
   • Dimensions vary widely, depending on the product. Common sizes might include 4″ x 3″ or 2″ x 2″, but always measure the product’s packaging for precise dimensions.

Step 4: Customize the Design

• Replace images, text, and other elements to match your theme or brand.
• Use drag-and-drop features to move elements around.
• Add any additional elements, such as logos or personal illustrations.
• Ensure you are not directly copying any existing designs and that all elements are in accordance with Canva’s licensing agreements.

Step 5: Use the Right Dimensions

• Make sure your design fits the typical dimensions of the product you’re selling.
• You can use custom dimensions or choose from Canva’s predefined sizes.

Here are the pre-set Canva dimensions that Etsy sellers need to be aware of when preparing or creating their designs for sale on Etsy:

1. Listing images: Any listing image you upload must be a minimum of 2000 pixels (px) per square inch or 72 pixels per inch (PPI). The ideal size is 1000 pixels wide so that shoppers can zoom in clearly.
2. Shop banner: The shop banner is the large image that appears at the top of your Etsy shop. It should be 760 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall.
3. Thumbnail: The thumbnail is the small image that appears next to your listing title in search results. It should be 570 pixels wide by 456 pixels tall.
4. Team logo: The team logo is the small image that appears next to your team members’ names in your shop. It should be 170 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall.
5. Order receipt banner: The order receipt banner is the image that appears at the top of your order receipts. It should be 760 pixels wide by 100 pixels tall.

You can find these dimensions in Canva by going to the “Dimensions” menu and selecting the “Etsy” preset.

Step 6: Download the Design

• Choose the correct file type for your product (e.g., PDF for printables, PNG for digital products).
• Download the design to your computer.

Step 7: Create a Listing on Etsy

• Log in to your Etsy seller account (or create one if you’re a new seller).
• Click on ‘Add a New Listing’.
• Upload your Canva design and fill out the listing details, such as title, description, price, and shipping details.
• Clearly communicate in the listing that the design was created with Canva and ensure that everything aligns with both Canva’s and Etsy’s terms of service.

Step 8: Promote Your Product

• Utilize social media and other marketing channels to promote your new product.
• Consider offering an initial discount or bundling with other products to encourage sales.

Tip 2: How to Set Up Your Etsy Shop

Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your Etsy shop specifically to sell Canva designs:

Step 1: Create an Etsy Account

• Go to Etsy’s website and click on ‘Sell on Etsy’.
• Sign up using your email address, Facebook account, or Google account.

Step 2: Set Up Your Shop Preferences

• Choose the default language, country, and currency for your shop.
• Select what type of seller you are (individual or company) and fill in the required information.

Step 3: Choose Your Shop Name

• Pick a unique and memorable Etsy shop name that reflects your brand or the products you’ll be selling.
• Check for availability and confirm your choice.

Step 4: Stock Your Shop

• Click on ‘Add a New Listing’.
• Upload quality images of your Canva designs.
• Fill in the details, such as title, description, price, quantity, and any other relevant information.
• Specify that you are selling Canva designs, and make sure to comply with both Canva’s and Etsy’s terms of service.
• Repeat this process for each product you want to list.

Step 5: Select Payment Methods

• Choose the payment methods you will accept (such as credit cards, PayPal, etc.).
• Fill in your payment details, following Etsy’s guidelines.

Step 6: Set Up Billing

• Enter your billing information to pay Etsy fees.
• Review and understand the fee structure, including listing fees and transaction fees.

Step 7: Define Your Shipping Policies

• Choose shipping options based on location, method, and pricing.
• Provide clear information on shipping times and any potential delays.
• Consider offering digital downloads if applicable to your products.

Step 8: Customize Your Shop

• Add a compelling shop banner and profile picture to enhance visual appeal.
• Fill in the ‘About’ section to tell your story and connect with potential customers.
• Consider adding sections or categories to organize your listings.

Step 9: Consider Shop Policies

• Create clear policies regarding returns, exchanges, and other customer service-related matters.
• Make sure all your policies align with Etsy’s guidelines.

Step 10: Promote Your Shop

• Share your shop on social media platforms, your personal website, or through other marketing channels.
• Consider using Etsy ads and other options to boost your visibility.

Tip 3: How to List Your Canva Designs on Etsy

Listing your Canva designs on Etsy is a vital part of selling these creations.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Canva Design

• Finalize the Canva design you want to list, making sure it adheres to Canva’s licensing agreements.
• Download the design in the appropriate file format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, SVG, or PDF).
• Consider creating multiple variations or sizes, if applicable.

Step 2: Log In to Your Etsy Account

• Go to Etsy’s website and log in to your seller account.
• Navigate to your shop dashboard.

Step 3: Start a New Listing

• Click on ‘Add a New Listing’ at the top right of your dashboard.

Step 4: Add Photos

• Upload clear and high-quality images of your design, following Etsy’s image guidelines.
• Consider using mock-ups to show how the design might look in its final form (e.g., on a poster or mug).

Step 5: Fill Out Listing Details

• Title: Create a descriptive and appealing title.
• Description: Provide a detailed description of your Canva design, including size, format, and usage possibilities. Mention that the design was created with Canva, if necessary.
• Tags: Use relevant keywords to help potential customers find your listing.
• Materials: List the tools or software used, like Canva, and any additional elements.

Step 6: Set the Price

• Determine the price for your design, considering factors like uniqueness, complexity, and market rates.
• Consider offering discounts for bundles or multiple purchases.

Step 7: Define the Quantity and SKU (if applicable)

• Choose the quantity if selling physical copies, or make it unlimited if selling digital downloads.
• Add SKU information if you are tracking inventory.

Step 8: Choose the Right Category and Attributes

• Select an appropriate category and subcategory for your design (e.g., Art & Collectibles > Digital Prints).
• Fill in additional attributes like color, occasion, or theme if applicable.

Step 9: Determine Shipping or Digital Download Options

• If offering digital downloads, upload the file(s) and include any instructions for the buyer.
• If shipping a physical product, set the shipping details, including shipping profiles, processing times, and costs.

Step 10: Preview and Publish

• Preview your listing to ensure everything looks correct.
• Click ‘Publish’ to make the listing live.

Tip 4: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Selling Canva Designs On Etsy

Pros

1. Legal and Lucrative Opportunity: Selling on Etsy provides a legal platform to sell Canva designs. With a Successful Etsy digital template shop, you can leverage the legal status of Canva Free to sell designs and Canva Pro elements, ensuring that you’re operating within the bounds of legality while monetizing your creativity.
2. Wide Range of Templates: The vast array of Canva Design Templates, including Productivity Printables and templates to sell on Etsy, opens up numerous opportunities. By learning how to sell Canva designs on Etsy, you can tap into various niches, catering to a diverse customer base.
3. Customization and Originality: Canva’s platform allows for making the template your own, thus enhancing the uniqueness of your designs. This not only makes your products stand out but also adds value, making your Canva templates to sell on Etsy more appealing to customers.
4. Market Research Benefits: Engaging in thorough market research gives you insights into what designs are trending, what customers prefer, and how to structure your Etsy shop. This knowledge is crucial in running a successful digital products business.
5. Flexibility and Creativity: The process of creating and selling completed designs on Etsy offers flexibility. You can experiment with different styles and themes, using Canva’s user-friendly interface to express your creative vision.

Cons

1. Legal Complexities: While it is legal to sell Canva designs, navigating the legalities, especially around Canva Pro elements and ensuring your designs adhere to the terms of service, can be challenging. Understanding what constitutes as legal to sell Canva designs requires careful attention.
2. Market Saturation: As more sellers learn how to sell a Canva template on Etsy, the market can become saturated. Standing out among numerous canva templates to sell on Etsy can require significant effort and unique branding strategies.
3. Dependency on Third-Party Platforms: Relying solely on Canva for design creation and Etsy for sales can be risky. Any changes in policies or features on these platforms can directly impact your business.
4. Initial Learning Curve: For beginners wondering, “can I sell Canva designs on Etsy?”, there’s an initial learning curve. Using Canva to sell on Etsy effectively requires mastering the tools and understanding the nuances of digital sales.
5. Consistency in Quality: Maintaining a high standard of quality in your designs is vital. As you expand your offerings, ensuring each design reflects your brand’s quality can be a time-consuming process.

Tip 5: Selling Canva Designs on Etsy- A Seller’s Must-Have Checklist

1. Legal Compliance Check

• Ensure it is legal to sell Canva designs on Etsy.
• Verify you are using Canva Free elements or have a proper license for Canva Pro elements.
• Understand the specifics of what you can sell canva designs on Etsy.

2. Market Research and Template Selection

• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends and demands.
• Choose templates to sell on Etsy that align with current market needs.
• Consider Productivity Printables and other popular niches for your Canva templates to sell on Etsy.

3. Creating Unique Designs

• Utilize Canva Design Templates as a starting point.
• Focus on making the template your own for originality.
• Ensure all designs are unique, enhancing the value of your successful Etsy digital template shop.

4. Setting Up Your Etsy Shop

• Learn how to sell Canva designs on Etsy effectively.
• Create a compelling shop profile, highlighting your expertise in selling digital products on Etsy.
• Organize your store, categorizing your products clearly for easy navigation.

5. Product Preparation and Listing

• Prepare your designs, ensuring they are completed and high-quality.
• Understand the process of how to sell a Canva template on Etsy.
• Upload your products with detailed descriptions and appealing visuals.

6. Pricing and Selling Strategies

• Price your designs competitively while considering the cost of your Canva subscription.
• Use strategies for selling on Etsy that highlight your unique selling points.
• Consider bundles or discounts to attract more customers.

7. Promotion and Engagement

• Promote your Etsy shop and products through various channels.
• Engage with your audience, gathering feedback to improve future designs.
• Keep updating your shop with new designs, staying relevant and fresh in the market.

8. Review and Adapt

• Regularly review your sales and customer feedback.
• Be willing to adapt your strategy, whether it’s updating your designs or exploring new market niches.
• Continuously look for ways to innovate and stand out in the Etsy marketplace.

By following this checklist, you can enhance your chances of success in selling Canva designs on Etsy.

Can You Sell Canva Designs On Etsy – Summary

The ability to sell Canva designs on Etsy opens doors for creative minds looking to make their mark in the e-commerce business.

From selecting the perfect niche and creating unique designs to setting up an appealing Etsy shop and employing effective marketing strategies, there’s a well-paved path to success.

If you’ve found this guide helpful, we invite you to explore other posts and articles on our blog that delve into various Etsy-related topics, such as;

• Top 10 Types of Etsy Stickers That Sell the Best
• How to Start an Etsy Print on Demand Shop
• Etsy Store Setup: 10 Step Easy Guide for Beginners
• 130+ Etsy Shop Ideas You Can Start For Free Today!

From content marketing strategies to shop optimization and customer engagement, our extensive resources are designed to support your entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned Etsy seller or just starting your Etsy store, there’s always something new to learn and apply.

Happy selling, and enjoy your Etsy journey!

Can You Sell Canva Designs On Etsy- FAQs

How can I sell my Canva designs?

To sell legally on Etsy using Canva, you must ensure that you’re adhering to both Canva’s and Etsy’s terms of service.

Always use elements and designs that you have the rights to, either through a paid Canva subscription or your own creations, and never resell Canva’s pre-made templates directly.

Can we sell Canva designs on Etsy?

Yes, you can sell designs you’ve created on Canva on Etsy, provided you have followed Canva’s licensing agreements.

It’s essential to ensure that the designs are original and not just direct resales of Canva’s templates.

Can you take images from Canva and sell them on Etsy?

You can use images from Canva in your designs, but you should be cautious.

Only use images you’ve obtained the proper license for. It’s advisable not to use free images directly as standalone products; instead, integrate them into original designs to add value and uniqueness.

Are you allowed to sell art made on Canva?

Yes, you can sell items that you created using Canva’s tools as long as they are unique designs rather than exact copies of Canva’s templates.

Ensure you have the correct licensing for any elements you use.

Do I need a special license from Canva to sell on Etsy?

For many designs, Canva’s standard license will suffice.

However, if you’re selling a high volume or using certain elements, you may need Canva’s extended license. Always check Canva’s licensing terms to be sure.

Are there any restrictions on selling Canva-created designs on Etsy?

The main restriction is that you cannot sell Canva templates directly or offer them as editable files. Your designs should be original and tailored to your audience.

How do I differentiate my Canva designs from others on Etsy?

Consider customizing Canva’s templates, combining multiple elements, or adding your own touch to create a distinct product.

Researching market trends and understanding your target audience’s needs can also help in creating unique designs.

Can I sell a design I made on Canva?

Yes, digital downloads are popular on Etsy.

You can sell your Canva designs as digital files that buyers can download and print themselves. Ensure the designs are high-quality and provide clear instructions for your buyers.

How do I price my Canva designs on Etsy?

Pricing should factor in the time spent designing, any fees or costs (like Canva’s subscription or Etsy’s listing fees), and the perceived market value.

Conduct market research to see what similar designs are priced at and position yours competitively.

What if someone else is selling a similar Canva design on Etsy?

It’s possible, given Canva’s popularity, that designs might look similar.

Always strive for originality in your designs. If you believe someone is directly copying your work, you can address the issue through Etsy’s report system.