Find the right template for your project

Open Canva and let’s walk through an efficient search: 

Define your need clearly

Ask yourself:

• What type of file do I need? (calendar, spreadsheet, presentation, newsletter, video, social post, etc.)
• Who is my audience? (general public, business owners, employers, colleagues, donors/funders, journalists, etc.)
• What’s the purpose? (inform, persuade, inspire, summarize, advertise)

Start with the correct template type

• Use broad keywords like “newsletter banner,” “presentation,” “news video,” “portfolio website,” “Instagram story,” etc.

👉 Pro tip: Canva automatically sizes templates for the format you choose, so starting with the right type filters your search from the beginning.

Use specific keywords in the search bar

• Instead of just searching “Instagram,” try “Instagram post,” “Instagram story” or “Instagram reel.”
• Add descriptors like:
• Style → minimalist, modern, vintage, playful, professional
• Theme → nonprofit, education, marketing, health, news
• Format → timeline, chart, infographic, portfolio

👉 Pro tip: Stick with no more than four keywords to speed your search.

Filter by style and theme

After searching, click Filters to narrow by:

• Color palette (great if you want brand-aligned designs)
• Style (corporate, fun, elegant, bold, etc.)
• Theme (business, education, personal, seasonal, etc.)

Search by use case or goal

Think about what you need the template to do. Examples:

• “News video”
• “Flow chart”
• “Grant proposal”
• “Story planner”
• “Training presentation”
• “How-to infographic”

Include your audience in the search

Search terms like “general public,” “working professionals,” “educators,” or “journalists” can bring up more tailored templates.

Sort by free vs. Pro

If you don’t have Canva Pro, check the Free filter so you can focus on designs you have access to.

Look at related templates

After opening a template you like, scroll down to the “More like this” section. Canva’s algorithm suggests designs with similar layout, mood, or style.


Save templates to folders

If you’re browsing and not ready to decide, click the ⭐️ or “Save to Folder” option. That way, you can build a short list of contenders and compare later.

👉 Pro tip: If you find a template style you love, note the creator’s name (listed under the template). Many designers build full collections across different formats (presentations, posters, reports) so you can stay consistent.

Customize template elements

If you can’t find one perfect template, choose one that’s closest and swap in layouts from another design. Canva lets you combine elements easily (e.g., take a chart from one presentation and drop it into another).