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Canva Interface Overview

Jul 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture introduces the core layout and navigation features of the Canva design interface, focusing on document management and canvas interactions.

Navigation and Document Controls

  • The main navigation bar includes document-level options accessed with keyboard shortcuts.
  • Use left and right keys to switch navigation buttons and Enter to activate.
  • The side panel offers quick access to navigation functions.

Canvas and Design Area

  • The canvas displays your current design and is the primary workspace.
  • Enter allows users to move into the canvas or further into groups/elements.
  • Tab is used to move between pages, groups, or elements within the canvas.

Toolbar and Element Manipulation

  • Use Ctrl+F1 to operate the toolbar.
  • Selected elements can be moved using arrow keys.
  • Rotate elements with the comma (,) and period (.) keys.
  • Resize elements with arrow keys plus Ctrl, and add Shift to increase the increment.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Canvas — The area where the main design work takes place in Canva.
  • Navigation Bar — The top or side menu for accessing document options.
  • Element — Any object (text, image, shape) that can be edited within the design.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice navigating and using keyboard shortcuts in Canva.
  • Explore the toolbar and try moving, rotating, and resizing elements on the canvas.