The easiest way to upload your PDF file to Canva is to drag and drop it into the “Uploads” folder. For that, open a design file, find the “Uploads” tab in the toolbar on the left side of the screen, and click on it. Now you can drag and drop the PDF file to the uploads or select it from your computer by pressing the “Upload files” button.
My name is Yana and I’m an active Canva user for the last six years. I’m using this tool not only to create designs for social media and blogs from the scratch but also to redesign existing files.
Last year Canva launched a new feature where we can upload a PDF file directly. I’ve already tried it multiple times, so I have a very good understanding of how to do it.
In this article, I’ll give you a quick tutorial on how to upload a PDF file to Canva. We’ll also talk about some issues that might arise during this process and how to resolve them.
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Key Takeaways
- There are two ways available to upload a PDF to Canva: from the website homepage and directly from editor mode.
- Once your PDF file is uploaded, you will be able to find it in the Projects tab. You can see it in the menu from the left side of the screen.
- If you want to save the original PDF file ratio, consider uploading a file from the Canva homepage.
How to Upload a PDF to Canva
You can upload your PDF file to Canva in two ways. I will cover both of them in detail below.
Method 1: Uploading a PDF from the Homepage
For this method, you don’t need to create or open a design file. What you need to do, is just log in to your Canva account and stay on the homepage.
I would recommend this method if you want to create a new project saving the original ratio and dimensions of your PDF file.
Find the Upload button on the top right corner of the banner on the main page and click on it. Now you can drag and drop your file or select it manually from your computer, by pressing the Choose files button.
While the file is downloading, you will see a small pop-up window on top of the screen. When it disappears, scroll down to find the Recent designs folder to see your file. You also can find it in the Projects folder, on the left side of the screen. Click on the uploaded file to start editing.
Method 2: Uploading from Editor
Using this method, you can upload the PDF file right to your design.
Keep in mind that if your design project’s dimensions are different from the dimensions of your PDF file, your file will fit into the project’s ratio and it might affect the quality of your design and bring unpredictable results. But if the ratio of your PDF file and design project are matching – go for it!
To add a PDF file to your project, open a design file you are working with and find the Upload button on the left side of the screen. Hit on it and simply drag and drop your file to the uploads. You also can add a file from your computer by clicking the Upload files button.
Once the file is uploaded, it won’t be visible in your uploads, but you can find it in the Projects folder, which is located just below the Uploads button on the side menu.
How to Upload a PDF to Canva Mobile
You also can add a PDF file from your smartphone or tablet using the Canva application. There are also two ways to do this, the same as it was in the Canva web version.
Method 1: From the Canva App Homepage
Open your Canva app and find the Projects folder in the bottom menu. Tap on it to open the projects library. Now hit on the More button in the top right corner of the screen and choose Upload.
Next, choose Files and select your PDF document to upload. Once it is uploaded, you will see it saved as a new project. Click on it to start editing.
Method 2: In Opened Design Project
Add your PDF file right to the existing design project. Open your design and click the purple button to call out a bottom menu. Next, select the Uploads tab and hit the Upload files button to open your file library on a mobile device.
Once your PDF is uploaded, you will see it in your Projects folder in the bottom menu. Tap on it to add it to your design and start editing. Keep in mind that, your PDF file will be fitted inside your design ratio.
Why Can’t I Upload a PDF to Canva?
If you are having problems uploading a PDF file to Canva, try to reduce the size of your PDF file. Even though Canva claims that you can upload a PDF with up to 300 pages and 70 MB, I wouldn’t suggest it because it might take some time or even run into some problems.
You also want to try another way to do it. For example, if you are trying to upload the file from the Editor mode, go to the homepage and try to create a new project with your PDF file.
Another reason might be an unstable internet connection. Check your internet or restart a router if needed.
After all, Canva might also have some server issues, so you might try again later. Contact Canva support if you still have problems with uploading a PDF.
Final Thoughts
Just a year ago, this Canva feature wasn’t available, but now you can smoothly upload and edit a PDF file in Canva following the guides I provided above. It is free and you can do it while using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
How do you like this feature? Do you often need to upload a PDF file to Canva? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
