Submitting formatted files improperly can result in both additional costs and timely delays. Please review the following guide for submitting your Canva files.
Common Mistakes: No bleed (causes white edges after trimming), Low-resolution images (causes blurriness and pixelation), Incorrect sizing or margins
How to Set Bleeds For Print
One of the biggest issues we see with Canva files is not having the bleed set correctly. Canva actually has a setting to help you achieve this feature (1/8″ on each side).
To see the bleed area of your file, select FILE in the top left corner and then check SHOW PRINT BLEED. This will extend the edge of your image the extra 1/8″ on each side. Now ensure that your back ground or images extend all the way out into this space as needed. If you have a white background to your print, there is nothing to extend.
When making adjustments, know that anything in the 1/8″ bleed area will be trimmed off your print in the finishing process, so if you want it to show up on your print, make sure it doesn’t creep into the bleed area.
Photo by @getswello
DOWNLOAD FOR PRINTING
Unlike an image you are using for digital only visuals, a print file is a bit more involved. In addition to bleed, which we talked about above, crop marks are also needed to ensure we trim your printed file correctly.
Start by clicking DOWNLOAD (the arrow pointing down in the top right corner).
Next, under FILE TYPE pull the menu down and select PDF PRINT if it’s not already selected.
Lastly, check the box next to CROP MARKS AND BLEED. This will create your print ready PDF with the 1/8” bleed and crop marks, both showing in your PDF.
Now click DOWNLOAD and Canva will create a PDF file correctly formatted to print.
For a more in-depth and visual explanation, check out this video from Canva: