If you haven’t already discovered Canva, it’s an excellent free online graphic design tool that you can use to easily create beautiful teaching resources. We’ve shared many Canva tips before (such as the preceding post to this one, “9 Cool Canva Tricks for Designing Teaching Resources”) and last year I even created an entire online course walking you through the step-by-step process for making posters, worksheets, digital badges, short videos and more.
As a teacher, you can apply for a Canva For Education account which gives you access to most of the Pro account features at no cost (yes, free!). Head over here to apply for your free education account.
Canva frequently adds new features and today I wanted to highlight some of the ones you may not have discovered yet.
1. Background Remover
This feature allows you to remove the background of an image, so that it becomes transparent – like a cut-out. For a long time the Background Remover feature was only available in Pro accounts, and not available in the Education account but I’m excited to say that educators now have access to this feature.
To use the Background Remover:
- add your chosen photo to the design area
- while it’s selected, click on Effects and then choose Background Remover from the Effects menu
- wait a moment while Canva works its magic….and then voila…background gone!
2. Curved Text
Curved text has been one of the most requested features in Canva and it’s finally a reality. Curved text is great for making circular name tags, digital badges, and so much more.
To curve your text:
- Add a text box to your design
- While your text is selected, click “Effects”& select “Curve” from the Effect Menu
- Adjust the curve by dragging the slider
- Adjust the size of your words to fit in your design
3. Shadows and Frames
Shadows & Frames is a brand new effect, but, at least for right now, it only works on photos (not elements). If you’re looking to add a 3D effect to your photo or add a creative frame, this effect will add a little more pizazz to your design.
Here’s how to add a shadow or frame:
- Add a photo to your design
- While the photo is selected, click, “Effects”
- Scroll down and click on an item from the “Shadow” or “Frame” menu
- Voila! Your photo will now contain that effect
4. Add a QR code to a design
QR codes are a fun way to add a little bit extra to a design. Need some ideas? Click here to read all about QR Codes in the Music Classroom.
There is a new QR Code generator within Canva that will allow you to link a website (or Youtube video, or audio application) that someone will be able to view when they scan the QR Code with a phone or iPad.
Here’s how:
- Open the design you want to add a QR Code into
- On the left black panel, click “More” (it has three dots)
- Under “Apps & Integrations”, select “QR Code”
- Type in the URL of the website you want people to access when they scan the code & select “Generate Code”
- Drag and resize the QR Code to fit in your design.
5. Work out whether a design element is a free or pro element
Why would you want to do this?
If you’re planning on selling your Canva designs – either on Teacher Pay Teachers or in some other commercial way, you need to ensure you’re only using the Free elements from the Canva design library otherwise you’ll need to pay a special licence fee.
To check whether the element you’ve used in an existing design is free or pro:
- Select the element and then click on the “i” information button.
- Select the “i” on the pop-up window.
- Read the terms & conditions for that element.
Just to clarify since I often see confusion about this, with a paid PRO account, you will be granted different terms for PRO elements. With a PRO account, some elements allow you to use it for a single commercial product, and others will require you to pay a licensing fee (which can get quite expensive).
It is important to read the terms for all EDU & PRO elements in your designs to comply with Canva’s Terms of Use (& to make sure their designers get paid.) It’s an easy way to keep your shop legal, to give back to digital artists, & to appreciate Canva for being so generous with their free educator accounts.
If you ever have any legal questions, contact Canva Support! They’re very friendly & always eager to help teachers.
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Looking for More Resources for Music Teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.