If you’re creating designs in Canva — whether it’s a presentation, worksheet, or business document — saving your design as a PDF is one of the most useful export options available. PDFs keep your layout clean and your fonts consistent across all devices. In my latest tutorial, I show you exactly how to save any Canva design as a high-quality PDF in just a few clicks.

Canva makes exporting extremely straightforward, but there are a few settings you’ll want to understand to ensure your design looks perfect when printed or shared.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Finish Your Design: Make sure everything is aligned, grouped, and formatted correctly.

  2. Click “Share” in the Top-Right Corner: This opens Canva’s export menu.

  3. Select “Download”: You’ll see multiple file types — PNG, JPG, MP4, and PDF among them.

  4. Choose “PDF Print” for Best Quality: If you’re printing your design, select “PDF Print” (300 DPI). For digital use, “PDF Standard” keeps file sizes smaller.

  5. Adjust Options: Check the boxes for “Crop marks and bleed” if you plan to print professionally.

  6. Download Your File: Click “Download,” and Canva will generate the PDF within seconds.

It really is that easy. Canva handles all the compression and formatting automatically, ensuring your design looks identical to what you see on screen.

I often use this method for:

  • Printable planners and worksheets

  • Social media strategy guides

  • Digital e-books and client PDFs

The PDF format also works perfectly with print-on-demand services or A4 handouts for classes and workshops.

One quick tip: if you’re sending files via email or uploading to a website, use PDF Standard to keep the file lightweight. For anything going to print, always stick with PDF Print.

In 2025, Canva remains one of the fastest and most reliable tools for exporting high-quality PDFs. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or small-business owner, this simple workflow saves time while maintaining professional results.