Creating Images in Canva

What Is Canva?

Canva is a design tool with templates for creating images, flyers, infographics, GIFs, banners, and other visual materials that can be added to Canvas courses.

Accessibility Tips for Canva Images

Use images with purpose. Before adding an image, ask whether it helps students understand the course content. Too many decorative images can slow page loading for students with limited internet access.
Check color contrast. Make sure text is easy to read against its background.
Limit text inside images. Whenever possible, place important text directly on the Canvas page instead of embedding it in an image.
Provide meaningful alt text. Images that communicate information need alternative text that explains their purpose or meaning.
Provide a text equivalent for infographics. Include the same information in accessible text so students using screen readers can access the content.
Avoid using images as the only way to communicate instructions. Important directions should also appear as regular text on the Canvas page.

Tip: A visually appealing image is most effective when it is also accessible, meaningful, and quick to load.

Watch: Create a Course Banner in Canva

This video from Teaching & Learning Innovations at CSU Channel Islands demonstrates how to create a course banner in Canva.

Sample Banner Image

This sample banner was created at 1416 by 297 pixels.

Banner reading Welcome to Unit 4

Sample Infographic

This sample infographic was created at 800 by 2000 pixels.

Infographic outlining 4 phases for creating engaging Zoom sessions with students, from live lectures to flipped learning

Required: Provide an accessible text version of all information shown in the infographic.

Sample Course Card GIF

This sample course card image was created at 262 by 146 pixels.

Canvas Dashboard Course Card showing an animated beach

Canvas Dashboard Example

The following image shows an example of how a course card appears on the Canvas Dashboard.

Canvas Dashboard Course Card showing a beach

Sample Start Here Graphic

This sample graphic was created at 220 by 220 pixels.

Graphic labeled Start Here

When finished: Select Next to continue to the next topic, or use the link below to return to the course home page.

Return to the Course Home Page