The Hidden Features in Canva You Probably Aren’t Using
- Rea Weeks
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
🛠️ Because Canva is a treasure chest — and you’ve only scratched the surface.
Let’s be real:We all love Canva.It’s the design BFF we didn’t know we needed.
But here’s the thing: most people only use the basics — drag, drop, download, done. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, Canva is secretly packed with powerful, time-saving features that can take your designs from good to “Wait… YOU made that?” in no time.
Whether you’re a teacher creating lesson plans, a scrapbooker building printable pages, or a creative business owner designing products, these hidden Canva tools will change how you work — in the best possible way.
Ready to become a Canva wizard? Let’s dive into the underrated features you’ll wish you knew sooner. 💫
✨ 1. The “Magic” Features (Yes, They’re Actually Called That)
🪄 Magic Eraser + Magic Edit (Canva Pro)Ever wish you could erase just one part of an image? Or magically replace a background object with something else?
→ Try the Magic Eraser to remove unwanted parts of any photo (like that weird photobomber or a smudge).→ Use Magic Edit to swap out one thing for another. Just brush over the area and type what you want to appear instead!
Perfect for:
Cleaning up clipart
Swapping props in styled mockups
Removing backgrounds without stress
🔍 2. Quick Find in the “More” Tab
Click the “More” tab on the left-hand panel and you'll find:
Draw (freehand shapes & doodles!)
Charts for planners and trackers
QR code generator
Embed tools, Bitmoji, GIPHY, and more
⚡ Pro tip: You can even integrate apps like Google Drive, Pixabay, and Typeform right inside your Canva dashboard.
🖼️ 3. Use “Frames” Creatively (Not Just for Photos)
Sure, frames are great for dropping in photos — but have you tried them with:
Scrapbook paper patterns
Textured backgrounds
Washi tape strips
Gradient overlays
🎨 Drag your pattern or paper into a frame shape (hearts, film strips, polaroids, etc.) for a layered, dimensional look without needing Photoshop.
🎬 4. Animate Like a Pro (Even Without Knowing How)
Canva’s animation tools are shockingly simple. Just click any element, and select “Animate” — but don’t stop at “Fade” and “Pop.”
Try:
Drift for a floating, dreamy feel
Tectonic for bold scrapbook title vibes
Photo Movement to create subtle slideshow effects in memory pages or digital journals
Bonus: Use these for TikToks, Instagram Reels, or video previews of your products!
⏱️ 5. Version History (Yes, You Can Go Back in Time)
Made a mistake 10 steps ago? Canva Pro has version history.
Go to File → Version History to restore older versions of your design — like a creative time machine. 🚀
🧠 6. Organize Like a Designer: Use Folders + Color Codes
You know I love a good system.Canva lets you create folders and tag them by color or project. No more scrolling endlessly through past designs to find “that one journaling card from July…”
Make folders for:
Product lines
Blog graphics
Social templates
Client projects
Scrapbook kits
💡 Want to peek inside my folder system? Read this post: A Peek at My Canva Folder System »
🔠 7. Text Effects That Do More Than Just “Shadow”
Click on any text → then hit “Effects.” Here’s where the magic happens:
Splice for layered retro fonts
Background to make your text look like a sticker
Curve for arched text in titles or journal pages
Neon for glowing, eye-catching headers
✨ Try layering multiple text boxes with different effects to build your own embellishments!
💡 Bonus: Use Brand Kits for Yourself (Even if You're Not a Business)
Even if you’re just designing for fun — you deserve a brand kit.Use Canva’s Brand Hub (in Pro) to:
Save your favorite fonts
Store go-to color palettes
Upload logos, clipart, or signature elements
Keep things consistent and quick to design
This is a game changer for bloggers, teachers, and scrapbookers alike. No more reinventing the wheel every time you open a new project!
🛍 Ready to Use These Tricks With Templates?
I’ve designed Canva templates with all of this in mind — so you can plug in your photos, content, and clipart while taking full advantage of these hidden gems.
Find:
Digital scrapbooking kits
Journaling pages
Pinterest + blog graphics
Class newsletter templates
And more, all editable in Canva!
(And yes, I sneak in time-saving tricks and clever layer setups so you don’t have to figure it all out alone. 😉)
💌 Join My Mailing List for Freebies + Creative Prompts
Want a free character profile template to get started?Join my email list and get:
A printable + digital character sheet
Monthly creative freebies and Canva tips
First access to new Etsy launches
Encouraging emails for your writing + storytelling journey
Let’s make writing feel like a cozy adventure again. ✍️✨
💛 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to learn a whole new program or get a design degree to make beautiful things.You just need a few Canva secrets — and now you’ve got them.
So go explore. Play with a feature you’ve never tried. Animate something. Use a frame in a weird way. Customize a template until it feels like you.
Because the best designs aren’t always the most polished — they’re the most playful.
You’ve got this,
💛 Rea 🌻Creator of A Rea of Treasures
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