Visual Marketing: How To Use The Canva iPhone App
While Canva for desktop and iPad have been around for some time, they have recently released an app version for iPhones. The app includes much of the functionality that you love in the full Canva desktop version, simplified to work on a smaller workspace with an iPhone.
The reason that this and other graphic design apps like it are so important is that in order to catch the attention of your community and engage with them, you need to create graphics that you can share on your social media platforms.
These graphics can be quotes, stats or tips that you can pull from your existing content. Ideally your images should provide some kind of value, share something meaningful or help your community to connect with you on an emotional level.
Make Social Media Images Quickly With The Canva iPhone App
When you first open the Canva iPhone app you will need to login or sign up.
If you already have a Canva account, you can login with Facebook or Google as well as with an email address and password.
Modifying Existing Canva Template Images
Canva’s existing templates are great if you are in a hurry or are new to creating social media graphics.
Once you have opened the app you will see a menu at the top. You can choose Your Designs or the platform you are making the graphic for such as:
- Presentation
- Facebook Cover
- Poster
- Blog Graphics
- Card
- YouTube Art
- Flyer
- Invitation
Below these choices are a number of template images you can select, to begin your design.
Tap the platform or layout you’d like.
Then scroll through the templates images till you find one close to what you would like to create. (If you are looking to create something more customized, I will go into more detail on how to do that shortly.)
This will open up the template and you will be ready to start editing.
Next you will want to add your text. Double tap the text to change it.
You can modify the text with a number of different options including:
- font
- color
- spacing
- alignment
- text size
- bold
- italics
- lowercase to caps
If there is decorative element under or around the text, you can modify this.
Change the size using your fingers (spreading them to enlarge and pinching them to shrink). You can also modify the color and the transparency of the element.
To remove the element, tap the three dots in a circle found in the top left corner of the element. Tap the garbage can icon in the top right corner of the screen to delete it.
To add a new element to the image, hit Elements in the bottom menu.
You can scroll through until you find the one you want to use and then tap it.
Move the element where you want it and resize it accordingly. Change the color by tapping any of the preset color options.
To move the element behind your text, tap the three dots in the circle found in the top left corner of the element. Then tap Back in the top right corner of the screen.
You can change the transparency by adjusting the Transp bar.
Double tap the text to add your own.
Move and modify your text as appropriate.
If at any time you make a mistake or do something you want to undo, just tap Undo in the top right corner of the screen. If you want to bring it back, tap Redo.
Sharing Your Social Media Images
When you have completed your image you can save it to your phone (or store it to Dropbox) or you can share it.
Hit Share in the top right corner of your screen. It will take a minute for your image to be saved.
You can now choose how you want to save or share your graphic.
Advanced Customizing Image Options
Once you are more familiar with the Canva iPhone app you can try the more advanced customization options.
To begin, chose the platform you are making the image for. Then tap any of the images. Hit Replace.
If you have not done so already, it will ask you to allow access to Your Photos. If you would like to use a photo from Your Photos you will need to hit Ok.
Select the image from your library that you wish to use.
If you want to choose from Canva’s library, simply type in a keyword to search for related photos. The results will popup below.
Tap on a choice to select it. Keep in mind that if it has a little coin icon with a 1 beside it (in the bottom right corner of the image), these are $1 dollar photos that you will have to purchase the right to use.
Depending on the image you are looking for, there are usually plenty of free options to choose from.
Once you have selected your image, you can add filters to it to create the feel you want.
If none of Canva’s existing preset filters are exactly what you want, you can always tweak the filter more by tapping Advanced filters. You can further fine-tune options such as:
- Brightness
- Contrast
- Saturation
- Colorize
- Blur
- Vignette
Tap the Text option to add your copy. You can add your own copy or chose from the premade text found below.
After you add your text, move it where you want it and resize it.
If you are going to add a graphic element behind or around your text, click Elements from the bottom menu.
Modify the color as appropriate. Hit the + to select a custom color. Use the color slider and bar to choose the precise color you want.
Use the transparency slider if you want some of the image below to show through.
To move the graphic element behind your text, tap the three dots in the circle and tap Back.
Once you finish customizing your image, hit Share to save or share your image.
Wrapping Up
The Canva iPhone app is a great way to create quick and simple social media images to add an important visual element to your social media strategy.
The app makes it easy for you to create graphics on the go and then share them on any of your social media platforms. This allows you to post in the moment and significantly increase your engagement.
Have you tried the Canva iPhone app? How would you compare it to the desktop version or other iPhone graphic apps? Let me know in the comments below.
The post Visual Marketing: How To Use The Canva iPhone App appeared first on Top Dog Social Media.
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