Canva For Beginners

Candidates should have knowledge of how to operate a personal computer.

Basic Design Skills beneficial but not required.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

• Small business owners

• Administrative staff

• Entrepreneurs

• Marketing beginners

• Students

• Social media managers

• Anyone new to graphic design

Module 1: Introduction to Canva
This module introduces learners to the Canva platform and familiarizes them with the basic layout, tools, and features available in the free version. Learners will learn how to create and manage a Canva account, navigate the dashboard, and understand the different types of templates available for social media and print design. The module provides a foundation for beginners by helping learners become comfortable using the platform before moving into practical design work.

Practical Activity Examples:

• Log into Canva
• Exploretemplates and menus

Lessons:

• What is CANVA?
• Free vs Pro features
• Creating a free CANVA Account
• Navigating the CANVA Dashboard
• Understanding Templates and design types
• Saving and organizing projects

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Module 2: Basic Design and Branding Principles for Beginners
This module introduces learners to essential graphic design principles used to create visually appealing and professional content that will suit a brands style and identity. Learners will gain an understanding of layout, spacing, colour selection, font pairing, alignment, and visual hierarchy. The module focuses on helping non-designers make better design decisions and avoid common beginner mistakes while developing simple but effective branding consistency.

Practical Activity Examples:

• Edit a CANVA Template according to a brief
• Select fonts and colours for a mock brand
• Show or Create a mini brand style concept

Lessons:

• Understanding brand basics
• Choosing fonts and colours while remaining consistent
• Understanding layout and spacing
• Using alignment and heirarchy
• Keeping designs clean and readable

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Module 3: Creating Social Media Graphics
This practical module teaches learners how to create engaging social media content using Canva templates and tools. Learners will design graphics suitable for platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, while learning how to customise layouts, text, images, and branding elements. The module also introduces social media sizing, content formatting, and basic marketing design concepts to improve the visual impact of online posts and advertisements.

Practical Activity Examples:

• 1 Instagram post
• 1 Facebook ad
• 1 Instagram/Facebook story

Lessons:

• Sizing for different uses
• Using CANVA templates effectively (Facebook, Instagram, Stories etc.)
• Adding and Editing Text and Images
• Working with Graphics and Elements
• Resizing Designs

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Module 4: Editing Images and Visual Content
This module focuses on basic image editing and visual enhancement techniques within Canva. Learners will learn how to upload and edit images, crop and resize visuals, apply filters, work with transparency, and use frames and grids to improve content presentation. The module aims to help learners create cleaner, more polished designs using simple image editing tools available in the free version of Canva.

Practical Activity Examples:

• Edit and improve supplied images

Lessons:

• Uploading Images
• Basic Photo Editing Tools
• Removing Backgrounds (free alternatives/workarounds)
• Cropping and Resizing
• Using Frames and Grids
• Image Transparency and Layering

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Module 5: Designing Basic Print Material
This module introduces learners to the creation of simple print-ready marketing material such as flyers, posters, and business cards. Learners will understand basic print layout principles, sizing requirements, and exporting formats suitable for printing. The module focuses on creating clear, visually balanced promotional material suitable for small businesses, events, and marketing campaigns.

Practical Activity Examples:

• A simple flyer
• A promotional poster
• A basic business card

Lessons:

• Flyer Design Basics
• Poster Layouts
• Business Cards
• Print Sizing and bleed basics
• Export Settings for Print

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Module 6: Exporting, Sharing and Best Practices
This module explains how to correctly export, save, share, and prepare Canva designs for digital use and printing. Learners will understand different file formats, image quality considerations, and social media optimisation techniques. The module also covers best practices for organising projects, managing designs efficiently, and avoiding common formatting and design errors.

Practical Activity Examples:

• Export designs correctly for social and print

Lessons:

• Download formats (PNG, JPG, PDF)
• Social Media Sizing
• Preparing designs for WhatsApp/social sharing
• Printing basics
• Common beginner mistakes to avoid