What is Canva?
If you’ve ever needed to whip up a flyer, resume, Instagram post, or presentation in a flash, you’ve probably used Canva. It’s a drag-and-drop design tool that’s super beginner-friendly and loved by everyone from small biz owners to content creators.
Why People Love Canva for Design
Here’s the deal — Canva makes graphic design accessible. You don’t need to be a Photoshop wizard to make professional-looking visuals. And with thousands of templates ready to go, it saves a ton of time. That’s why so many people are asking: Can I sell these templates I create?
Understanding Canvas Terms of Use
What Are the Terms of Use?
These are rules you agree to when you sign up for a service like Canva. And yup — they include how you can use their content, especially if you’re trying to make money from it.
Where to Find Canvas License Information
Canva is pretty transparent. You can check out their licenses here: Canva Content License Agreement. This document breaks down what’s cool and what’s not.
Canva Licenses Explained
Free vs Pro License
Canva offers two main types of content — free and Pro. If you’re on the free plan, you can only access basic stuff. With Pro, you unlock premium graphics, fonts, images, and templates.
But here’s the kicker: using Pro elements commercially comes with stricter rules.
One-Time Use vs Multi-Use Rights
If you pay for a one-time license (like a premium photo), it means you can use it in one design. Multi-use lets you use it again and again. So always know what you’ve paid for.
What You Can and Cannot Do
You can use Canva to create designs for clients or products you sell. But you can’t just grab a Canva template, tweak a font, and resell it as your own. Canva prohibits reselling or redistributing their templates — unless you made it from scratch.
Is It Legal to Sell Canva Templates?
Selling Templates Made With Free Elements
If you create an original design using only free elements, and it’s your own layout and style, you’re generally good to go. Canva allows commercial use of free elements — just don’t redistribute their original templates.
Selling Templates with Pro Elements
Be super cautious here. Canva Pro elements are licensed for use in end products like social media posts, eBooks, or presentations — not for resale as editable templates.
Commercial Use vs Personal Use
Selling Canva templates for others to edit is commercial use. Personal use (like making your own Instagram posts) is totally fine. Don’t confuse the two — Canva sure doesn’t.
Canvas Template Design Rules
Can You Sell Canva Templates?
Yes — but only if you design them yourself from scratch. That means you can’t just use a Canva-provided layout and slap your name on it.
What Canva Specifically Allows and Forbids
Canva forbids:
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Reselling Canva’s existing templates
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Sharing templates with Pro elements
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Selling templates that just rearrange Canva content
Canva allows:
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Selling your original templates created with free elements only (or elements you made yourself)
Selling Templates Made Entirely from Scratch
Original Designs and Custom Graphics
If you use your own graphics or public domain elements, you’re safe. That’s where creativity and effort come in. Making your template 100% yours = full legal rights.
Best Practices for Template Creators
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Avoid Canva’s default templates
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Build layouts from a blank page
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Use fonts and images you have the rights to
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Save proof of what elements you used
Common Mistakes Sellers Make
Violating Canva’s Pro License Terms
Many sellers unknowingly use Pro graphics in templates they sell. That’s a fast track to getting reported or banned.
Copying Other People’s Templates
Even if they’re not from Canva, copying someone else’s Etsy template and tweaking a few colors is still not cool. That’s copyright infringement, plain and simple.
Platforms Where People Sell Canva Templates
Etsy
Etsy is template heaven. But it’s also crawling with people selling stuff they shouldn’t. Be the exception — do it the right way.
Creative Market
A more curated marketplace. Creative Market expects original work, so Canva copycats don’t last long there.
Your Own Website
Selling on your own site (like on Shopify or Gumroad) gives you more control — but also more responsibility. Know your licenses!
Tips for Staying Legal When Selling Templates
Reading the Fine Print
Yeah, it’s boring. But Canva’s legal docs aren’t that long. And they’ll save you a world of trouble.
Giving Credit When Required
Sometimes, attribution is needed — especially if you’re using stock photos or third-party assets.
Avoiding Canva Element Misuse
Steer clear of:
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Pro illustrations
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Licensed photos
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Default Canva templates
Unless you’ve read and understood the rules around them.
How to Credit Canva if Needed
When Attribution is Necessary
Most of Canva’s stuff doesn’t require credit, but some stock photos and third-party assets might. It’s always listed when you download or hover over the item.
Proper Ways to Credit Canva
When in doubt, credit like this:
“Template created using free assets from Canva”
Alternatives to Using Canva Pro Elements
Using Free Design Resources
Try using:
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Unsplash for photos
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Google Fonts for typography
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Freepik (check licenses)
Creating Your Own Graphics
Even simple shapes and icons you create yourself are better than violating Canva’s terms. Plus, it makes your design more unique.
Case Studies: Legal vs Illegal Template Selling
What Legal Sellers Are Doing Right
They:
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Start from scratch
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Use only free or custom elements
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Avoid pre-built Canva layouts
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Include usage instructions to buyers
Mistakes That Got Sellers Banned
They:
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Sold Canva’s own templates
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Didn’t read license terms
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Used Pro elements illegally
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Used trademarked fonts or logos
Canvas Enforcement Policy
What Happens If You Break the Rules
Canva can:
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Suspend your account
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Block template sharing
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Send takedown requests via Etsy or Creative Market
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Even pursue legal action in serious cases
How Canva Detects Violations
They have tech tools and real human reviewers scanning for misuse. If someone reports you, Canva takes it seriously.
Protecting Your Templates
How to Copyright Your Work
In many countries, your designs are automatically copyrighted once you create them. But you can also register them officially if you want extra protection.
Using Watermarks and Licenses
Watermark your samples. And consider including a limited-use license when you sell your template — just like Canva does.
Growing a Legitimate Template Business
Building a Brand
Focus on your niche. Whether it’s real estate flyers or Instagram templates, build trust and recognition.
Marketing Tips for Template Sellers
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Use Pinterest to drive traffic
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Share reels of your designs in action
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Offer freebies to grow an email list
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Write SEO-rich product descriptions
Conclusion
So, is it legal to sell Canva templates? The answer is yes, but only if you follow Canva’s licensing rules. That means using free or original elements, designing from scratch, and avoiding redistribution of Canva’s own layouts. If you’re serious about selling templates, doing it legally isn’t just the right thing — it’s how you build a trustworthy, long-term business.
FAQs
Can I sell Canva templates on Etsy?
Yes, as long as they’re your original creations and don’t use Pro elements or Canva’s default templates.
What happens if I sell templates using Canva Pro elements?
You risk having your Etsy shop suspended, your Canva account shut down, and possible legal issues. It’s not worth it.
Is it legal to use Canva for client work?
Yes! Canva allows you to use designs for clients, as long as you’re not reselling templates created with Pro elements.
Do I need permission to resell Canva templates?
Only if they are made entirely by you from scratch. Otherwise, yes — you’d be violating Canva’s terms.
Can I trademark a Canva template I designed?
If it’s 100% your original design and doesn’t contain Canva’s protected elements, yes — you can explore trademarking it.
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable version of this article or want to repurpose it for your blog or store!
