How to Rotate Elements or Images in Canva

In Canva you can rotate an element or image by clicking on the “Rotating” button (with arrows on it) that will appear once you select the element. Hold and start dragging the rotating button from side to side to find the perfect angle for the element.

Hi! My name is Yana and I’ve been working with Canva for a few years. I use Canva to create content for blogs, websites, and social media. I frequently worked with images and elements, so I know all about how you can quickly rotate any object in Canva. 

In this post, I’ll explain how to manually rotate elements or images in Canva web and mobile versions. I also will cover why you might not able to rotate the image and answer some common questions about this feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Rotating elements in Canva is super easy and can be done just in a couple of clicks.
  • To rotate an element or image, you need to select it first. Also, make sure it’s not locked or is part of a group.
  • While this feature is available for both the Canva web version and mobile application, using a computer will make the process faster and more accurate.

How to Rotate Elements or Images in Canva

You can rotate any element in Canva by using a rotate handle (look at the screenshot below to see what it looks like). 

Step 1: Find the Rotate Button

To be able to see this button, click on any of the elements you want to rotate. Once the element is selected, the rotate handle will appear next to it.

Step 2: Choose the Angle

Click on the rotate button and start dragging it, to change the angle of the element or image. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can release the button and the rotation angle will be saved.

If you want to rotate a few elements, press the Shift key and click on all the elements you want to make changes to. Once you select everything, you can rotate or flip all the elements at once.

Step 3: Save the Result

After making changes to your design, save and download your project by clicking on the Share button on the top right corner of the screen, then click Download, and choose the file format you want to be saved.

How to Rotate Elements or Images in Canva Mobile

To rotate an element or image in the Canva mobile app, simply follow the same instructions we covered for the Canva web version above. Let’s go over the process step by step. 

Step 1. Call out a Rotate Button 

Start by launching the Canva mobile app and making a new design or opening an existing one. 

Tap on any elements of your design that need to be rotated and you will be able to see the Rotation button. 

Step 2. Select the Angle

Tap on the rotation icon and start sliding it from side to side while holding the button. Release the button once you achieve the needed results. 

To rotate multiple elements, tap on any of the elements and hold it till the bottom menu will appear. Then tap the Select multiple button to choose other elements and rotate the group together.

Step 3. Save Your Design

When you are happy with your project, find the Share icon on the top right corner, tap on it to choose the file type, and download the design project to your device.

Why I Can’t Rotate Elements or Images in Canva

If you can’t move elements or images in your design, it’s probably because they are locked. If you see a lock icon next to the element, you need to unlock it to be able to edit or move the element. You can find a Lock icon in the top right corner of your screen and click on it to unlock an element.

It can also happen if the element you want to rotate belong to a group. In this case, you need to ungroup them by selecting the group and clicking the Ungroup button on the top of the screen. Once you ungroup the elements, they are ready to be rotated and edited.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to adjust the angle of a picture or turn an element, Canva allows you to do it using the Rotate tool.

Follow the steps above to rotate any element or image using Canva on your computer or mobile device. And remember to unlock and ungroup your elements before doing that. 

Do you often rotate elements in your design? Do you have any other tips to share to make this process even easier? Feel free to share your experience with other Canva users by leaving a comment below.

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