If you’ve used Canva to create stunning visual content—be it for social media posts, presentations, or marketing materials—you already know how versatile it is. But what happens when you want to reuse an original design or adapt a specific design for a new purpose? Instead of starting from scratch, you can copy the design (or parts of it) with just a few clicks. This not only saves time but also ensures consistency across your projects.
Whether you're a creator of editable Canva templates for small business owners or just dabbling in design, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to copy designs like a pro.
Why Copying Designs Is a Must-Know Skill
Reusing an existing design is perfect when:
You want to adopt a specific design for a different platform or audience.
You need a consistent look across multiple social media posts or campaigns.
You’re short on time and want to avoid rebuilding from scratch.
With Canva’s user-friendly tools, duplicating designs or design elements is incredibly intuitive. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Open Your Original Design
The first step is to locate the design you want to copy. Head to the Canva home page and browse the projects you have saved. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to find your specific design quickly.
Once you find it, click to open it in the Canva editor. If you’re working on a multi-page design (like a presentation or booklet), remember whether you’ll copy the entire pages, specific sections, or just design elements.
Step 2: Understand Your Copying Options
When it comes to copying in Canva, you have several options depending on what you need:
Duplicate Entire Pages
If your design has multiple pages, you can quickly copy the entire layout of one page.
Navigate to the page you want to duplicate.
Hoover over the icons on the top right
Choose “Duplicate Page.”
This creates a replica of the page right within your design. Perfect for creating variations while maintaining consistency!
Copy Design Elements
Maybe you don’t need the whole page—just specific parts. For example, you might want to reuse a heading style, a photo layout, or a text block. Here’s how:
Select the element(s) you wish to copy.
Press “Ctrl + C” (or “Cmd + C” on Mac) to copy.
Navigate to your desired location and press “Ctrl + V” (or “Cmd + V”) to paste.
Pro Tip: You can copy elements across projects, making integrating your branding into any new design easy.
Duplicate the Whole Design
Want to create a fresh project based on an existing one? This is ideal for adapting templates to a new theme or purpose.
From the Canva home page, locate your original project.
Click the three dots next to the design thumbnail and select “Make a Copy.”
This creates a complete duplicate of your original design in your project library. You can rename it and start making changes without affecting the original.
Step 3: Resize for New Dimensions
Sometimes, you need to take a design and adapt it for a different size—say, turning a flyer into an Instagram post. Canva makes this process seamless:
Click the “Resize” button at the top of the editor ( keep in mind this option is available only for PRO accounts).
Choose from preset dimensions (like Instagram Story or Facebook Post) or enter new dimensions manually.
Canva will automatically adjust your layout, which you can then fine-tune.
Step 4: Add or Customize New Pages
If your project requires additional content, you can easily add more pages to your design:
Scroll to the bottom of your current project and click “Add a New Page.”
Use Canva’s vast library of stock photos, graphics, and fonts to complement your design.
By building your design one page at a time, you can craft cohesive multi-page projects like presentations, reports, or eBooks.
Step 5: Save Time by Using Canva Templates
If you frequently create designs, consider using or customizing Canva templates. These pre-designed layouts are a great starting point, especially when time is of the essence. You can quickly adapt them by copying design elements from your saved projects and adding branding.
Bonus Tip: Save as a Brand Template
To make your workflow even smoother, save your finished design as a template for future use:
After finalizing your edits, click the SHARE button in the top-right corner of the editor.
Select “Brand Template.”
Choose the folder you want to save it in and click "Publish."
This feature is invaluable for businesses that frequently need consistent designs for contracts, social media posts, or marketing campaigns.
Why Canva’s Copy Features Are a Game-Changer
The ability to copy designs in Canva isn’t just a convenience—it’s a productivity powerhouse. Here’s why:
It allows for quick customization, letting you adapt designs for different platforms or audiences.
It ensures consistency in your branding across all your projects.
It saves time, allowing you to focus on creativity rather than repetitive tasks.
As a creator of editable Canva templates for small business owners, I find this feature invaluable for crafting reusable layouts that reflect your unique style.
By mastering these step-by-step instructions, you can easily copy an existing design, duplicate entire pages, reuse design elements, or adapt designs for new dimensions. Canva’s intuitive tools empower you to create professional-quality visuals without breaking a sweat.
So go ahead—experiment, reuse, and create like a pro. Your audience will thank you for the stunning, consistent content you deliver.
FAQs About Copying Designs in Canva
Can I copy an entire design in Canva without affecting the original?
Absolutely! You can duplicate your design directly from the Canva home page. Click the three dots (“...”) next to your design thumbnail and select “Make a Copy.” This creates a new, editable version of your design while keeping the original intact.
How do I copy a single page from a multi-page design?
To copy just one page:
Open your design.
Navigate to the selected page.
Click the three dots in the upper-right corner of that page and select “Duplicate Page.”
This will create a copy of the page within your current project.
Can I copy design elements to use in a different project?
Yes! Select the element(s) you want (text boxes, images, shapes, etc.), press “Ctrl + C” (or “Cmd + C” on Mac), and then paste it (“Ctrl + V” or “Cmd + V”) into another design. Canva lets you seamlessly copy elements across projects, ensuring your designs stay cohesive.
Is it possible to resize my design for a different purpose? Definitely! Canva’s “Resize” feature lets you adapt your design for different new dimensions, such as switching from a flyer to a social media post. Click “Resize” in the top menu, select your desired dimensions, and Canva will adjust your layout automatically. Note: This feature is available with a Canva Pro subscription.
5. Can I create a new design using an existing one as a template?
Yes! After duplicating your design, you can customize it to create a fresh project. If you plan to reuse the design frequently, consider saving it as a template by clicking the three dots in the editor and selecting “Save as Template.”
How do I add a new page to my copied design?
Scroll to the bottom of your project and click “Add a New Page.” You can then drag and drop elements, such as stock photos and text, from Canva’s library to build out your design further.
What if I only want to copy part of a design and not the whole thing?
No problem! Simply click and drag to select the specific elements you want to copy. Then, use “Ctrl + C” (or “Cmd + C” on Mac) to copy and paste them into your desired location—whether that’s in the same project or a brand-new one.
