How to Make Canva Designs Look Professional and Unique

Canva designs look the same when you publish a template with its layout and elements mostly intact. The fix is to delete a large share of those elements and rebuild the layout yourself.

Delete a third of the template and rebuild it by hand

This is the fix that works best. Strip the template back first, then build each section again with your own choices.

1. Open the template in Canva and count the elements on the page.
2. Click each element you don't need and press Delete. Remove at least 30 to 40 percent of the original elements.
3. Look at what's left. If you can still recognize the base template, keep deleting.
4. Rebuild the sections with text and basic shapes. Pick your fonts from the Text tab.
5. Adjust the hierarchy by hand. Resize and move the headline, subhead and body text so the most important text stands out the most.

Add a texture over the background

A flat background is a big reason a design looks like a default. A subtle texture adds depth.

1. Click Elements in the left sidebar and search for a grain or paper texture. You can also upload your own texture with Uploads.
2. Resize the texture so it covers the whole page.
3. Move it above the background but below your text and main graphics. Use Position to change the layer order.
4. Lower the Transparency so the texture stays subtle.

If that doesn't work: use custom elements and a strong brand

Another way is to stop relying on Canva's built-in look. Bring in graphics from outside Canva and follow a strict brand system. Then use templates only for layout ideas.

1. Pick two or three brand colors and one or two fonts. Use them on every design.
2. Import custom graphics you made or sourced elsewhere with Uploads.
3. Open a template only to see its layout. Swap in your colors, fonts and graphics.

A distinct brand makes it easy to borrow a layout without borrowing the look.

If that doesn't work: use new elements from creators

Trending graphics show up in many designs. Newer elements from creators help your work stand apart.

1. Find element creators whose style you like and follow them in Canva.
2. Search Elements and look for items marked New instead of the most popular graphics.
3. Look for template creators from different cultural and creative backgrounds. Their designs often go beyond the trends.

Trendy templates get used the most, so this may take a little longer to pay off. Over time, Canva users do notice when a design looks different.

FAQ