💻 How I Create and Sell Printables Using Canva

Rea Weeks
Jun 12
3 min read

Turn your creativity into income—one template at a time.

Selling printables has completely transformed how I share my creativity—and Canva is my secret weapon. Whether you're looking to start your own digital shop, grow your email list, or add passive income to your business, creating printables with Canva is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly ways to get started.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I create and sell printables using Canva, from brainstorming ideas to listing them in my shop—and how you can do it too!

✨ Step 1: Brainstorm What to Make

The first step is all about tapping into your audience’s needs—or your own interests. Here are some printable types I’ve created (and sold!) using Canva:

Planner pages (daily, weekly, goal-setting, habit trackers)
Scrapbook templates and journaling cards
Wall art and quote prints
Stickers and labels
Coupons, thank-you cards, and inserts for Etsy packaging
Kids’ activity sheets or seasonal bucket lists

🌼 Tip: Think about what YOU already use or would want to download—and go from there!

🎨 Step 2: Design in Canva

Once I have my idea, I hop into Canva and open a new design—usually US Letter (8.5 x 11 in) for printables, or A4 if I want to offer international sizing too.

Here’s what I usually include in a design:

A clear title or header
Functional layout (boxes, lines, icons)
Pretty details like floral borders, washi tape, or seasonal elements
My branding (colors, fonts, and a soft “created by” line at the bottom)

🖌️ I keep my Canva designs organized in folders like “Printables,” “Templates,” and “Seasonal Projects.”

🛠️ Step 3: Export & Prepare the File

When the design is ready, I export it in the following formats:

PDF Print – best for customers to print at home
PNG or JPG – great for previews and mockups
Canva Template Link – if I’m selling editable templates instead of print-only

📁 I always test-print a copy to make sure everything looks crisp and aligned!

📸 Step 4: Create Mockups & Listing Photos

Mockups are what sell the printable! I use Canva again to drop my designs into styled frames, desktops, clipboards, or aesthetic flat lays.

You can find mockup templates in Canva by searching:

“Printable mockup”
“Aesthetic flat lay”
“Desk paper frame”
“Boho stationery”

🌿 I also add styled text overlays like “Instant Download” or “Editable in Canva” to make my listings pop.

🛍️ Step 5: List on Etsy (or Your Own Website!)

I list most of my printables on Etsy, but you can also sell them through:

Shopify or Wix
Gumroad
Creative Market
Your email newsletter (as a freebie or exclusive offer!)

Each listing includes:

A strong SEO-friendly title
Keywords and tags like “printable planner,” “summer journal,” or “scrapbook insert”
A clear product description explaining what’s included, how to use it, and how to access the files

✨ If you need help with listing copy or titles, I’ve got a cheat sheet coming soon!

💌 Step 6: Promote It!

I use Canva again (you’re seeing the pattern, right?) to make:

Instagram & Pinterest graphics
Facebook post templates
Email banners
Highlight covers or reels for product features

And I always include a call-to-action like:

“Grab this printable in my shop!”“Free for email subscribers this week!”“Perfect for summer journaling!”

📣 Consistency is key—your audience can’t buy what they haven’t seen!

🎁 Bonus: Build Your List With Printables

One of the best things about creating printables is using them as freebies to grow my email list.

I often offer:

Free sample pages
Mini sticker sheets
Quote art for download
Canva template freebies (for other creators!)

📥 Join my list here to see how I deliver them and get a few goodies yourself!

💬 Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to sell something, but I’m not sure where to start…” printables are a beautiful beginning. With Canva, you don’t need expensive software or years of experience—you just need your creativity, a few ideas, and the courage to begin.

And if I can do it, you absolutely can too. 💛