Canva recently introduced new tools to create docs, whiteboards, videos, websites, and presentations. As such, you no longer need to rely on traditional software solutions like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Keynote to create an upcoming business presentation. You can easily create presentations in Canva using its familiar suite of editing tools.
Canva offers real-time collaboration, several export options, a present tool, AI add-ons, and much more to make a professional PPT. Canva also lets you make instant presentations with pre-filed slides. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Pick Up an Aspect Ratio and Template
Before you start, make sure to pick a relevant aspect ratio for your presentation. If it’s a traditional PPT, go with a 16:9 aspect ratio. If you plan to show your PPT on mobile, use the 9:16 aspect ratio.
Tablet users can start with a 4:3 aspect ratio. Canva also offers some ready-to-use templates to get started. We highly recommend starting with a template to save some time.
You can also filter templates via style, theme, feature, and color. For example, you can check company, marketing, corporate, marketing, school, and other templates. Most templates are free to use, while some may require a Canva Premium subscription.
Under templates, you also find an option to create instant presentations. You can enter a prompt and check Canva’s suggestions to get started.
Customize a Page With Editing Features
Once you pick up a template, you have the option to add all pages to your presentations. You can click ‘Apply all pages’ and check every slide at the bottom. You can always select a slide and hit delete to remove it from your presentation.
Canva lets you change every aspect of the template with different text styles, filters, and image editing tools. You can change color, tweak transparency, copy style, and more.
We suggest spending some time with editing tools to customize your Canva presentation and add some personal touches.
Add Graphics, Stickers, and Images
Your presentation will not seem as interesting without graphics, stickers, images, and videos. Unlike Google Slides or PowerPoint, you don’t need to import media files to Canva to complete your slides. You can easily add relevant elements from the sidebar.
Step 1: Open a slide in your Canva presentation.
Step 2: Select Elements from the sidebar. Add graphics, icons, stickers, tables, videos, and more.
Step 3: You can explore the AI image generator and turn your creative ideas into images and videos with a single click.
You can add simple descriptions and even turn generated images into videos. Canva also offers a long list of graphics packs in several categories. The possibilities are endless here. It’s up to you to make a compelling slide using useful tools.
Tweak Page Animation
Once you create a page, tweak its animation to make a smooth transition between pages.
Step 1: Select a slide in Canva.
Step 2: Click Animate at the top.
Step 3: Check basic, exaggerated, photo movement, and other animation types from the left sidebar.
You can also tweak the animation intensity, which is great.
Add Presenter Notes
Do you plan to present your Canva PPT on a video conference? You can add notes to each slide so they appear during the Presenter view (more on that later).
When you create a PPT, select a slide and hit Notes at the bottom. Enter your notes that you want to remember or talk about during a video meeting.
Collaborate and Edit in Real Time
Similar to Google Slides and Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva lets you share and edit a presentation in real time. You can take inputs from your colleagues and create a share-worthy presentation in no time.
Step 1: When you are done making changes to your presentation, click Share at the top.
Step 2: Enter people, groups, or your team. Expand the collaboration link menu and select Anyone with the link.
Step 3: Expand the permission menu and select Can edit.
You can also share a link with view or comment-only permission. Select the Copy link and share it with your co-workers.
Enable Presenter View
Presenter view is a thoughtful touch from Canva to give presentations over a Google Meet or Teams call.
You can open a presentation in Canva and select Present at the top. Click Presenter View and check two windows opening up on your computer.
One window shows your presentation with notes open on the sidebar. Another window displays the current slide you are sharing with others over a call.
Download and Share Your Presentation
As expected, Canva gives several options to share and export your presentation. When you complete your presentation, click Share in the top-right corner and expand Download.
You can convert a presentation to PDF, PPTX (Microsoft PowerPoint compatible), MP4, JPG, PNG and SVG formats. Check our dedicated post if you wish to print your Canva presentation.
Use Canva Like a Pro
Canva has done a solid job, granting users access to rich tools to create a convincing presentation. We can’t wait to see how the Australian startup enhances our PPT experience with AI features in the future. Speaking of which, we would love to see a feature similar to ‘Design Ideas from Microsoft PowerPoint’ on Canva. Do let us know if you use Canva for presentations in the comments below.
Thanks for your feedback!
