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Embedding external maps into a Canva design
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Over the long weekend at Camp Canva, we learned how to create an infographic using Canva’s free infographics maker (see details here).
🗺️ Today we’re going to see how to add an external map into a Canva design.
Whether you are showing your city’s polling locations in an election explainer or reviewing new restaurants in a neighborhood, maps can add an extra layer to your graphics.
With Canva, there are three easy ways to incorporate a map into your designs:
✅ Use Canva's Google Maps app integration
This method allows you to embed a map directly into your design. Here’s how:
- Open or create a design in Canva.
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Find the Apps button at the bottom of the toolbar and search for Google Maps.
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Click Open to launch the app.
- Type in a specific place or address in the Google Maps search bar.
- Click the desired map result to add to your design.
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Just like with infographics, you can add text and other graphic elements from the left toolbar.
✅ Import a Google Map location using a URL
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Open Google Maps and find your desired location.
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Click the share icon and copy the link to the map.
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Open your design in Canva and paste the link you just copied where you want the map. (Note: You do not need to copy an embed code — Canva will automatically embed the map from the link.)
💡 Pro tip: Once the map is placed in your design — either from the app or a link — you can double click on it to move the map around. You can also zoom in or out to customize the size and the scope of the map.
✅ Upload an external map as an image
If you are using a different program like Apple Maps, or have a screenshot of a map already created, you can also upload it as an image and then drag it into your design. This will give you a static image rather than the interactive option from Google Maps.
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