If you’re an Etsy seller who loves creating beautiful designs with Canva, you’re probably wondering if you can sell those designs on Etsy.
The good news is, yes, you can! But, as with any creative endeavour, there are important guidelines and rules you need to follow to ensure that you’re complying with Canva’s Content License Agreement and keeping your shop in good standing.
This post will cover the essentials for selling Canva designs on Etsy, but please note:
I’m not a lawyer. Always refer to Canva’s official terms of usage documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Originality is Key: Creating Unique Designs
When selling Canva designs on Etsy, originality is your best friend. You can’t simply take a Canva template, make minimal changes, and sell it as your own. Etsy shoppers are looking for unique, high-quality products, and your designs should reflect your own creative input.
To comply with Canva’s licensing terms, make sure your designs are *significantly* different from the original templates. This means combining multiple elements, adding custom text, adjusting layouts, and injecting your own style.
The more you modify and personalize your designs, the more likely they are to stand out—and the more you’ll stay within Canva’s guidelines.
Remember, selling a Canva design with minimal changes is considered a standalone use, which is prohibited.
Understanding Canva’s Licensing: Free vs. Pro Elements
Canva offers a wide range of elements, from free to Pro (paid) assets. If you’re using free elements, you’re generally in the clear to sell your designs, provided they meet the originality criteria mentioned above.
However, if you’re using Canva Pro elements, you need to be aware of some restrictions:
Pro Elements in Digital Downloads
If your design includes Pro elements and you plan to sell it as a digital download, such as a printable, you **must** sell the design as a Canva template link rather than as a direct file (e.g., PDF, PNG). This ensures that the Pro elements remain within Canva’s platform and aren’t redistributed outside of it.
Pro Elements in Physical Products
If you’re selling physical products, like mugs or t-shirts, that include Pro elements, ensure your design is original and transformative.
You cannot use Pro content in a way that allows it to be sold as a standalone product.
This means you need to significantly modify the design and combine it with other elements to create something unique.
Selling Canva Templates on Etsy
Selling Canva templates on Etsy is a popular option for many sellers, but it comes with its own set of rules. Canva allows you to share and sell templates as long as they don’t violate their terms:
Template Links Only
If your template includes Pro elements, you must share it via a Canva template link. You cannot provide the template as a file that can be used outside of Canva. This way, the buyer can access the template within Canva, where they’ll need to have Canva Pro to use those premium elements.
Credit Where Credit is Due
While most designs won’t require you to credit Canva, if you’re using Canva content in a way that mimics editorial use, such as in an instructional PDF, you may need to provide credit to Canva and the original creators. For editorial uses, it’s customary to attribute the creator with a credit like “©[Creator’s Name] via Canva.com”
Navigating Stock Photos and Other Media
Stock photos and other media in Canva are great tools for enhancing your designs, but there are limitations on how you can use them when selling on Etsy. Here are a few rules to keep in mind:
Avoid Misleading Uses
You cannot use stock photos to create designs that imply an endorsement by the people featured in those photos unless you have their explicit permission.
Be Mindful of Offensive Use
Ensure your use of stock photos is respectful and not misleading. Avoid using images in contexts that could be considered defamatory or offensive.
Logos and Branding: Proceed with Caution
If you’re designing logos or other branding materials to sell on Etsy, be aware that Canva’s logo templates cannot be trademarked.
While Canva can be an effective tool for creating logos, if you need a logo that’s unique and trademarkable, it’s best to create it from scratch without using Canva’s pre-made templates.
Print-On-Demand (P.O.D.) and Physical Products
When selling physical products on Etsy, such as prints, apparel, or accessories, using Canva designs can be a great way to showcase your creativity. However, the same rules apply: your designs must be original and transformative.
You cannot use Free or Pro Content from Canva as-is on products for sale.
Stay Creative and Compliant
Selling Canva designs on Etsy is not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding—if you follow the rules.
Focus on creating original, unique designs that reflect your style and creativity, and always make sure you’re complying with Canva’s licensing terms. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your Etsy shop but also build a brand that customers trust and love.
Remember: This post is meant for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Always check Canva’s terms of usage and Etsy’s policies for the most up-to-date and detailed information.
