While a direct, editable file import from Canva to Figma isn't typically available, you can seamlessly bring Canva designs into your Figma projects as live, interactive embeds, often utilizing FigJam as an intermediary. This method is ideal for showcasing designs, gathering feedback, or referencing visual assets that automatically update when changes are made in Canva.
Embedding Canva Designs from FigJam into Figma
The most common and effective way to integrate live Canva designs into your Figma files is by first embedding them in FigJam and then transferring that embed. This ensures your Figma file always displays the latest version of your Canva design without manual updates.
1. Prerequisite: Embed Your Canva Design in FigJam
Before bringing a Canva design into Figma, you first need to embed it within a FigJam file. FigJam, Figma's online whiteboard, acts as a bridge for this type of integration.
- Open your Canva design: Navigate to the specific design you wish to embed in Canva.
- Generate a share link: Click the "Share" button in the top-right corner of your Canva design. Choose the option to share for viewing or a public link that can be embedded. Copy this link.
- Paste into FigJam: Open your desired FigJam board. Paste the copied Canva link directly onto the FigJam canvas (Ctrl/Cmd+V). FigJam will automatically recognize the link and embed your Canva design.
2. Copy the Embedded Canva Element from FigJam
Once your Canva design is embedded in FigJam, the next step is to copy this embedded element.
- Select the embed: In your FigJam file, click on the embedded Canva design element to select it.
- Copy the embed: You can do this by pressing
Command + C(Mac) orCtrl + C(Windows). Alternatively, right-click on the selected embed and choose "Copy."
3. Paste into Your Figma Design File
With the Canva embed copied from FigJam, you can now paste it directly into any Figma design file.
- Navigate to Figma: Open the specific Figma design file where you want to place the Canva embed.
- Paste the embed: Click anywhere on your Figma canvas and press
Command + V(Mac) orCtrl + V(Windows). You can also go toEdit > Pastefrom the Figma menu.
Your Canva design will now appear as an embedded element within your Figma file.
Understanding Embedded Content in Figma
When you embed a Canva design using this method, it behaves as a live, interactive link within Figma.
- Live Updates: Any changes made to the original design in Canva will automatically reflect in the embedded version in your Figma file, ensuring your stakeholders always see the most current iteration.
- Interactivity: Viewers can often interact with the embed (e.g., scroll through multi-page presentations) directly within Figma.
- Not Directly Editable: The embedded Canva design is a visual reference. You cannot directly edit its content (text, shapes, images) within Figma. To make changes, you must go back to the original design in Canva.
Alternative Methods for Bringing Canva Assets into Figma
While embedding is excellent for live views, sometimes you need static assets or elements that can be edited within Figma.
Exporting from Canva
For editable or static content, you can export your Canva designs in various formats and then import them into Figma.
- PNG/JPG: Ideal for static images, graphics, or final mockups. These are raster files and won't be editable as vector shapes in Figma.
- PDF (Print/Standard): Can be useful for multi-page documents or detailed graphics. Figma can import PDFs, but editability may vary depending on the complexity and how the PDF was generated. Text and basic shapes might be editable, while complex layouts might import as flattened images.
- SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): The best option for importing vector graphics, icons, or illustrations from Canva into Figma with maximum editability. SVG preserves vector paths, meaning you can resize them without losing quality and often manipulate individual elements within Figma. This feature may require a Canva Pro subscription.
Importing into Figma
Once you have your files exported from Canva:
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag your exported PNG, JPG, or SVG files from your desktop directly onto your Figma canvas.
- Place Image/Video: In Figma, go to
File > Place image/videoand select your exported files.
Best Practices for Cross-Platform Workflows
| Feature | Embedding via FigJam (Canva to Figma) | Exporting & Importing (Canva to Figma) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Live viewing, presentation, feedback | Static assets, editable vectors, specific elements |
| Updates | Automatic (reflects Canva changes) | Manual (requires re-export/re-import) |
| Editability | No direct editing in Figma | Yes, if imported as SVG or basic PDF elements |
| File Type | Interactive web embed | Raster (PNG/JPG), Vector (SVG), Document (PDF) |
| Use Case | Design hand-offs, mood boards, presentations | Icon libraries, custom graphics, static images |
Choose your method based on your specific needs: embed for dynamic, view-only content that needs to stay updated, or export/import for static assets or elements you plan to modify directly within Figma.
