How Do I Free Resize Elements in Canva?

October 4, 2023 canva

If you are a Canva user, you may have wondered how to freely resize elements within the platform. Resizing elements can help you create visually appealing designs that fit your needs perfectly. In this tutorial, we will explore different methods to free resize elements in Canva.

Method 1: Using the Resize Handles

To free resize an element in Canva, you can simply use the resize handles. These handles are small squares that appear on the edges and corners of an element when you select it. Here's how to use them:

Select the element you want to resize by clicking on it.
Once selected, you will see small squares, also known as resize handles, around the edges and corners of the element.
To resize the element, click and drag any of these handles.

By using these resize handles, you can easily adjust the size of your element according to your design requirements.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

In addition to using the resize handles, Canva also provides keyboard shortcuts for resizing elements quickly. Here are some commonly used shortcuts:

Shift + Up Arrow: Increase height
Shift + Down Arrow: Decrease height
Shift + Right Arrow: Increase width
Shift + Left Arrow: Decrease width

The keyboard shortcuts offer a faster way to resize elements without relying solely on mouse interactions.

Method 3: Using Numerical Inputs

If you need precise measurements for resizing an element in Canva, you can utilize the numerical inputs. Here's how:

Select the element you want to resize.
In the top toolbar, you will find options to set the exact width and height of the element.
Click on the input box next to 'Width' or 'Height' and enter the desired value.

By using numerical inputs, you can resize elements with precision, ensuring they fit perfectly within your design.

Method 4: Using Canva Pro

If you have a Canva Pro subscription, you gain access to additional features that further enhance your resizing capabilities. Canva Pro introduces a feature called 'Magic Resize,' which allows you to automatically resize designs for different platforms or formats. Here's how it works:

Select your design.
In the top toolbar, click on 'File.'
Choose 'Magic Resize.'
Select your desired output format (e.g., social media post).

Canva will then automatically adjust your design to fit the dimensions of the selected format. This saves time and effort in manually resizing elements for different platforms.

Conclusion

Resizing elements in Canva is a fundamental skill that allows you to mold your designs according to your preferences. Whether it's using resize handles, keyboard shortcuts, numerical inputs, or leveraging Canva Pro features like Magic Resize, there are multiple ways to free resize elements within Canva. Experiment with these methods and discover which one works best for your design workflow!