How to Design Labels with Canva and Avery

How to design a label in Canva

A step-by-step guide to help you design your perfect labels

In the digital age, creating visually appealing labels has become easier than ever thanks to online design tools like Canva®. Whether you’re designing labels for products, events, or personal use, Canva provides a user-friendly platform with loads of features to bring your creative vision to life. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of designing a label using Canva and then how you can upload it to Avery to create amazing labels, cards and tags.

Step 1: Sign up and log In

Canva sign in page to create an account

If you haven’t already, sign up for a Canva account. You can use your Google or Facebook account for a quick and easy registration process. Once signed up, log in to your Canva account.

Step 2: Choose a design

search bar for designing your label on canva
choose a canva template
choose and customize a canva template

Begin by navigating to the Canva homepage and use the search bar to specify the type of product you intend to design, such as “Product Labels.” This will give you a selection of templates tailored to your chosen product type.

You can also use a more personalized approach by selecting the “Custom dimensions” option. Here you’ll be able to input the precise width and height of your label in either inches or pixels, ensuring a tailored fit to your specific packaging requirements.

Step 3: Browse Canva’s features

Use a variety of cool tools in Canva's library

Canva offers an extensive library of elements, including text, images, illustrations, and more. Familiarize yourself with the toolbar on the left side, which provides access to these elements before you start customizing. The top menu bar allows you to customize your design further.

Step 4: Select a background

Add or delete a background on your label design

Click on the “Elements” tab on the left side and choose a background for your label. You can opt for a solid color, a gradient, or upload your own image. Adjust the transparency, if needed, to enhance the visibility of your text and other elements.

Step 5: Add text to your design

add text to your canva label
edit text on your canva label design

Click on the “Text” tab to easily add text to your label design. You can choose a font style that complements your label’s purpose. Canva offers various text formatting options, such as size, color, spacing, and alignment. Experiment with different combinations until you achieve the desired look.

Step 6: Insert images and illustrations

upload your own images into canva
upload your own graphics into canva

Enhance your label’s visual appeal by incorporating images or illustrations. Again, Canva provides a vast library of free and premium elements. Or you can upload your own images or use the search feature to find the perfect illustrations for your label.

Click on any element in your design to access customization options. Adjust the size, position, and color to create a cohesive and visually pleasing label. Canva allows you to layer elements, bringing depth and dimension to your design so you can get exactly the look you want.

Step 7: Preview and download

Preview your label design and look for errors
Download your finished canva design

Before finalizing your label, preview it to ensure all elements are well-placed and visually appealing and there are no typos. Once satisfied, click the “Download” button in the top right corner. Choose the file format (PNG, JPEG, PDF, etc.) and resolution before downloading your label. Then your finished label can be exported and is ready for you to order custom printed from Avery or print yourself.

Simply visit the Avery Design & Print software. Click “Start Designing”. Choose your product and upload your artwork into the template. Then preview the final and order your labels or print them yourself. It’s that easy.

Check out How to Print Your Labels for simple steps to printing your own labels or ordering them from WePrint.

Conclusion

Designing labels with Canva is a creative and user-friendly experience. By following these simple steps, you can unleash your creativity and produce stunning labels for your small business or any other labeling need.

Experiment with different elements, colors, and styles to make your labels stand out and leave a lasting impression. Canva’s intuitive interface empowers users, even those without design expertise, to create professional-looking labels effortlessly.

Author: Melanie Neff

Melanie has an extensive writing background built on an impressive journalism foundation. As a reporter for USA Today and The Los Angeles Times for almost 20 years, she covered everything from the Los Angeles riots, fires, and floods to LA Lakers, Raiders and Clippers games and movie premieres. She followed her newspaper career with a long tenure covering commercial real estate financing and development. Melanie has been writing about small business marketing and labeling needs for the last 12 years. She thrives on reading, researching and expanding her knowledge of everything going on in today's business world and looks to provide the most valuable information she can to her readers.