Lesson 9.1 — Exporting & Saving Your Designs

1. Export Settings for Images

• PNG — best for Instagram, graphics, covers, and designs needing sharp text

• JPG — best for compressed, lightweight images such as blog posts or listings

• Transparent PNG — for logos, watermarks, or overlays (pro feature)

2. Export Settings for Social Media Videos

• MP4 — best for reels, TikToks, animations, video graphics

• 1080p resolution — recommended for all social media

• FPS settings (24/25/30fps depending on smoothness) 30fps recommended

3. Downloading Multi-Page Documents

A. Exporting Full Carousels

1. Click Share → Download.

2. Select your file type (PNG recommended for carousels).

3. Under Select Pages, choose All Pages.

4. Download and Canva will export a zip file containing each page separately.

B. Choosing Specific Pages

1. In the download window, click Select Pages.

2. Check only the pages you want.

3. Download just those slides — perfect for updating one carousel page.

C. Compressing PDFs for Print or Digital Use

1. Choose PDF Standard for digital use.

2. Choose PDF Print for high-quality printable designs.

3. Enable Flatten PDF if needed (prevents shifting).

4. Adjust compression if file size is too large.

4. Preventing Blurry Instagram Posts

A. Correct Aspect Ratios

Use the correct size before exporting:

• Reels: 1080 × 1920

• Story: 1080 × 1920

• Instagram Post (Portrait): 1080 × 1350 (best for reach)

• Carousel: 1080 × 1350

• Square: 1080 × 1080

If the wrong ratio is used, Instagram compresses the image and blurs it.

B. Correct Resolution

In Canva:

1. Before downloading, open the Size slider.

2. Set the export to 2× or 3× if available for sharper resolution.

3. Do not upscale from a lower-quality design.

C. File Compression Tips

• Always export posts as PNG.

• For photos or gradients, JPG is ok — but don’t over-compress.

• Avoid screenshots — they degrade quality.

• Avoid exporting JPG below 80% quality.

• Keep text away from the absolute edges (Instagram auto-crops).

5. When to Use “Save to Folder” vs “Download”

A. Using “Save to Folder” in Canva

Perfect for keeping designs organised.

Use this when:

• You want to save the final design inside Canva

• You plan to reuse the design later

• You want easy access across multiple brand projects

• You want to repurpose/export again in a new format

How to use it:

1. Click Share.

2. Select Save to Folder.

3. Choose or create a folder.

4. Save.

This is perfect for workflows that involve templates, edits, or client work.

B. Using “Download”

Use this when you need the design saved to your device.

Use Download when:

• Posting to Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest

• Sending a design to a client

• Uploading to a website

• Saving a video locally

• Creating backups

How to download:

1. Click Share → Download.

2. Choose your file type.

3. Export.