[Libs-Or] Tech-Talk: CANVA: Using Apps to Level-Up Your Designs

Tue Jul 29 14:21:50 PDT 2025

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Use these tools in your designs

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/34916cb2-412f-43fa-8294-1f7ecb0e9a3d.png?rdr=true]

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Webinars for You

NOTE: Webinars begin at 3 pm ET / 2 pm CT / 1 pm MT / 12 Noon PT and are one hour long.

August 6: [CANVA] Canva Power Ups: 10 Must-Have Apps That Turbo-charge Your Designs Why Attend: Learn about several options to make designing easy.

August 13: [VIDEO] Video Magic in 60 Seconds. Grab Attention, Spark Emotion, Get Results. Why Attend? You want a template for making videos quickly.

September 10: [EXCEL] From Boring to Brilliant: Spreadsheet Formatting Made Easy Why Attend: You want to learn more about polishing your spreadsheets

September 24: [OFFICE] Office Design Secrets: How to Make Your Documents Pop Why Attend: You want to uplevel your design skills

View Webinars and Register Here<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZL9_ws62Zq3NGv7rEg6UvTv-8NsYFcWo2B10nSd6aBctvFKTgFLWPrV81ZbDwkrNTj3h8Qg5-3xesBjBvTaxbtoq4SST8CNCMIkZMAg6jTCg4t2oSS4obf8d3-m0fMGHoVbtuieAGEEGwlKJlFg-R-kvArFPrYUm4le5dW0xArI=&c=apgMqLLhKGKeTS8RwLrtrewqN_lz8MbNW516CZnsnSNXqIs1u1ouyg==&ch=fxNiyUjuvxI0TSoAFY6OzG4MZxfSuAmM2C-oEWDZ_Ch3S5qJKHLLzw==>

CANVA: Using Apps to Level-Up Your Designs

Intermediate

[Colorful grid of various app icons]

Do you create flyers, social media posts, videos and more in Canva?

When I first started using this platform to design graphics, I chose the basic elements – text, images, shapes… but when I discovered the range of apps that are integrated into Canva, a whole new world opened up!

What do we mean by an “app”? In Canva, an app is a tool or integration that adds extra features or content to help you design more efficiently or creatively. You can think of apps like add-ons or plugins - they expand what Canva can do beyond its built-in features. There are over 300 apps that extend design functionality and give you more options.

Why Use These Apps?

These built-in tools and integrations help you work faster, create smarter, and do more - without ever leaving your design workspace.

1.  Save Time and Clicks - Apps let you bring content directly into your design without downloading and re-uploading files. Want to add a Google Map, a YouTube video, or photos from Google Drive, you can!
2.  Expand What Canva Can Do - Generate QR codes, pull logos and brand colors, or turn text prompts into unique images with AI.
3.  Connect with the Tools You Already Have - Whether you use Dropbox, Instagram, or Google Photos, Canva apps make it easy to connect those accounts and pull content in instantly. It’s seamless and keeps your workflow efficient.
4.  Add Professional Touches - Need charts, mockups, or animation tools? Canva has apps that can help you level-up your design with polished, interactive, or data-driven elements.

NOTE: Canva Apps are generally free to use, but some advanced features may require a Canva Pro (or Teams/Enterprise) subscription. You may discover that some apps do require you to log into a separate account or connect to an existing service before you can use them. This is especially true for apps that bring in external content or sync with another platform.

New to Canva or only use it occasionally?

Don't worry! You can log into the Tech-Talk database and enter “Canva” in the Search box to find a variety of articles. Additionally, go to the Webinar recording page<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZL9_ws62Zq3NGv7rEg6UvTv-8NsYFcWo2B10nSd6aBctvFKTgFLWPpzTlpkN_7j4jZNQzFHA5X36v6JAQlKMn4nFgo66gB0xybIWcRTIA31-OFH6EAQzeocwpo2Izf4RU8vYoGF7asLNOG4pXpOBa6kXOKeVIXNRNGNfLZ8aoUm-KPY9m6i5Kw==&c=apgMqLLhKGKeTS8RwLrtrewqN_lz8MbNW516CZnsnSNXqIs1u1ouyg==&ch=fxNiyUjuvxI0TSoAFY6OzG4MZxfSuAmM2C-oEWDZ_Ch3S5qJKHLLzw==>, and Canva has its own category with “Getting Started” topics.

Types of Apps

Canva offers a wide range of app categories to assist in your designs, including. Here’s an overview with just a small sampling of examples.

1.  AI Generation to create images, video and slides.
2.  Audio and voiceover to provide high-quality voiceovers and music.
3.  Communication to integrate with other platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
4.  Data Visualization to pull stats into your design and create charts, diagrams and pictograms.
5.  File management connectivity so you can save to Google Drive, HubSpot, OneDrive, and many more.
6.  Graphic Design to colorize images, create gradient text, get color palettes.
7.  Marketing to create platform-specific ads, content scheduling, create logos, QR codes and more.
8.  Photo Editing with pixel editors, mosaic makers, cartoon and storybook image creators.
9.  Project Management integrating with tools Asana or HubSpot, many social media platforms, and form tools like Jotform.
10.                   Video and animation to create Anime, Avatars, Cartoon-style effects video effects and integrate with platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

[A list of software tools with icons grouped under categories]

How Do You Find and Access Canva Apps? 2 Ways!

1. View Apps from the Home screen.

[Canva dashboard showing the Apps tab selected and various featured apps displayed on the main screen]
·     To view all of the available apps, on the Home page, in the left navigation menu, click on the Apps icon.
·     Take a look at the variety of apps available by category.
·     Or use the Search apps option and type in your specific function – like “Cartoon maker” or “Voice over.”

2. View and Use Apps in Your Design.

[A red arrow points to the Apps button in Canvas left sidebar menu highlighting the Image Splitter app option]

When you’re in a design, you can:

·     Click on Apps from the left-hand toolbar.
·     Browse or search for the app you want.
·     Click on it and follow the prompts to connect or use it.
·     Once you've used an app, it will show in the "Your Apps" section of the app screen.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/fc8ea443-1d84-468e-8b24-b2b4f53d72d8.gif?rdr=true]

UPCOMING WEBINAR!

Canva Power Ups: 10 Must Have Apps That Turbo Charge Your Designs

Wednesday, August 6TH

3 pm (ET)/11 am (PT)

Register Here!!<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZL9_ws62Zq3NGv7rEg6UvTv-8NsYFcWo2B10nSd6aBctvFKTgFLWPrV81ZbDwkrNTj3h8Qg5-3xesBjBvTaxbtoq4SST8CNCMIkZMAg6jTCg4t2oSS4obf8d3-m0fMGHoVbtuieAGEEGwlKJlFg-Rxz1IpjLGHSusv-nviR-yMw=&c=apgMqLLhKGKeTS8RwLrtrewqN_lz8MbNW516CZnsnSNXqIs1u1ouyg==&ch=fxNiyUjuvxI0TSoAFY6OzG4MZxfSuAmM2C-oEWDZ_Ch3S5qJKHLLzw==>

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Communications: Writing

Measure Your Writing Structure

How would you like to instantly improve the quality of your writing ... how clear it is, how engaging it sounds, and how likely people are to read it all the way through?

If so, start by measuring your writing structure.

Use these four simple metrics:

1.  Average Sentence Length: Aim for an average of 17 words per sentence.
2.  Use of White Space: Break up text making shorter paragraphs.
3.  Varied Sentences: Mix short, punchy lines with longer, flowing ones.
4.  Fewer Syllables: Favor shorter, everyday words over long, complex ones. They're easier to grasp on a quick read.

For more Writing Skills, go to Popular Problems in Tech-Talk<https://opiayfbab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ZL9_ws62Zq3NGv7rEg6UvTv-8NsYFcWo2B10nSd6aBctvFKTgFLWPmKrc8fV-lBIzZ_ugO3GH8SMrMEn4a18MSz0_zwR80zjLZNuo5s3-J5wV5PdT44hs-JVYmKCZ739_CKp_ESfcxHRxJ4JA1o_VJD-yNOdreWW&c=apgMqLLhKGKeTS8RwLrtrewqN_lz8MbNW516CZnsnSNXqIs1u1ouyg==&ch=fxNiyUjuvxI0TSoAFY6OzG4MZxfSuAmM2C-oEWDZ_Ch3S5qJKHLLzw==>. Scroll to the bottom for six sets of techniques!

Measuring structure is one category. It makes your messages easier to absorb... and more enjoyable to read. It's not just about what you say—it's how you say it.

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When was the last time you visited the Tech-Talk online resource? It has all kinds of fun ways to solve issues, discover new ideas, and hone your skills!

[Ask a question]

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Cheers,
Darci Hanning, MLIS (she/her/hers)
Public Library Consultant / CE Coordinator
Continuing Education Resources: https://slo.oregon.gov/conted/
State Library of Oregon | Library Support and Development Services
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