You don’t need Adobe InDesign or a graphic designer to create a professional eBook.
Learning how to make an eBook in Canva takes less than an hour, even if you’ve never touched a design tool before.
The platform’s drag and drop editor, template library, and built-in graphics handle the heavy lifting.
Whether you’re building a lead magnet, creating a digital product to sell on Gumroad, or self-publishing your first guide, Canva simplifies the entire process.
This guide walks you through 9 steps: from accessing eBook templates to downloading your finished PDF.
You’ll learn how to customize covers, format text, add images, insert page numbers, and export files ready for distribution.
How to Make an eBook in Canva
Making an eBook in Canva is the process of designing a multi-page digital publication using templates, text editing tools, and visual elements within the platform’s workspace.
Users need this when creating lead magnets, selling digital products on Gumroad or Etsy, or self-publishing content for their audience.
This guide covers 9 steps requiring 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on length, suitable for beginners with no design experience.
Prerequisites
- Canva account (Free or Canva Pro)
- Web browser or Canva desktop app
- Written content prepared in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Notion
- Brand colors with hex codes (optional)
- Images or graphics (optional, Canva library available)
- Time estimate: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Skill level: Beginner
Step One: How Do You Access Canva’s eBook Templates?
Open canva.com or the desktop app, click “Create a design” in the top right corner, then type “eBook” in the search bar to browse the template library with hundreds of pre-designed layouts for your digital publication.
Action
- Navigate to: canva.com > Create a design > Search “eBook”
- Filter options: Free templates show no icon, Pro templates display a crown icon
- Result: Grid view of eBook templates with cover and page previews
Purpose
Starting with the right template category saves time and gives you proper font pairings, color palettes, and page layouts designed specifically for eBooks rather than social media or presentations.
Step Two: How Do You Select and Open an eBook Template?
Browse the template options in the left panel, click any template to preview its full structure including cover and content pages, then select “Customize this template” to open it in your design workspace.
Action
- Browse: Scroll through templates, hover to see page count
- Preview: Click template to view all included pages
- Open: Click “Customize this template” button
- Result: Workspace opens with editable cover and content pages
Purpose
Previewing before selecting lets you check the typography style, page count, and overall layout.
Some templates include 5 pages, others include 20 or more.
Step Three: How Do You Design the eBook Cover?
Click the first page in your workspace to select the cover, then edit the title text, swap the placeholder image with your own upload or a Canva library image, and adjust colors to match your visual branding.
Action
- Edit title: Double-click text > Type your eBook title and subtitle
- Replace image: Select placeholder > Delete > Uploads tab > Choose file, or Elements tab > Photos
- Adjust colors: Select element > Color picker > Enter hex code or choose from palette
- Add author name: Text tab > Add a subheading > Position at bottom
- Result: Custom cover with your branding and title
Purpose
Your book cover design determines first impressions.
Readers browsing digital products judge eBooks by covers before reading descriptions. A professional cover with clear typographic hierarchy and strong contrast increases perceived value.
Step Four: How Do You Add and Duplicate Content Pages?
Scroll below the cover to view included page templates, click “Add page” at the bottom of the workspace to insert new pages, or use the duplicate icon to copy existing layouts and maintain design consistency throughout your eBook.
Action
- View templates: Scroll down in workspace to see all page options
- Add page: Click “+” or “Add page” button at bottom
- Duplicate: Hover over page > Click duplicate icon (two rectangles)
- Reorder: Drag pages up or down, or use arrow icons
- Delete: Click trash icon on unwanted pages
- Result: Complete page structure matching your content outline
Purpose
Duplicating pages keeps alignment, spacing, and design elements consistent across your eBook without rebuilding layouts from scratch.
Step Five: How Do You Add and Format Text Content?
Double-click any text placeholder to select it, delete the default text, then paste your prepared content from Google Docs or Word and use the toolbar above the canvas to adjust serif or sans-serif fonts, size, and color.
Action
- Select text: Double-click placeholder > Press Delete or Backspace
- Paste content: Ctrl+V (Windows) or Cmd+V (Mac)
- Format: Use toolbar for font type, size (12-14pt body, 18-24pt headings), color
- Add new text: Left panel > Text > Add heading, subheading, or body text
- Result: Formatted text with proper visual hierarchy
Purpose
Pre-writing content in a separate document prevents losing work if browser issues occur.
Canva’s text box tools handle formatting, not writing.
Step Six: How Do You Add Images and Visual Elements?
Upload your own images through the Uploads tab or browse Canva’s built-in library of photos, icons, shapes, and illustrations to add visual interest that supports your written content.
Action
- Upload: Left panel > Uploads > Upload files > Select from computer
- Canva library: Left panel > Elements > Search icons, shapes, graphics
- Replace images: Select placeholder > Delete > Drag new image into position
- Edit: Select image > Edit image > Filters, brightness, saturation
- Result: Visual content enhancing your text
Purpose
Images break up text walls and increase reader engagement. Use minimum 72 DPI for digital, 300 DPI for print design.
Step Seven: How Do You Add Page Numbers?
Insert page numbers manually using text boxes positioned at the bottom of each page, or use Canva’s page numbering feature to automate the process across your entire eBook document.
Action
- Manual method: Text > Add body text > Type number > Position at page bottom
- Copy to pages: Select number > Ctrl+C > Navigate to next page > Ctrl+V > Update number
- Consistent placement: Use same position (bottom center or bottom right) on all pages
- Result: Numbered pages for easy navigation
Purpose
Page numbers help readers navigate longer eBooks and reference specific sections. Skip numbering the cover page.
Step Eight: How Do You Preview Your eBook?
Use Canva’s full-screen preview mode to see exactly how readers will experience your digital publication before downloading the final PDF file.
Action
- Enter preview: Bottom toolbar > Click full-screen arrows icon
- Navigate: Click left/right arrows or screen edges to browse pages
- Check details: Look for typos, alignment issues, image quality
- Exit: Press Esc key
- Result: Complete review of your eBook before export
Purpose
Preview catches errors invisible in editing mode. Check text readability and image positioning.
Step Nine: How Do You Download Your eBook as a PDF?
Export your completed eBook as a PDF download using the Share menu, choosing between PDF Standard for online distribution or PDF Print for physical printing with higher pixel density.
Action
- Open export: Click Share button (top right corner)
- Select download: Click Download from dropdown
- Choose format: File type > PDF Standard (web) or PDF Print (printing)
- Select pages: Confirm “All pages” is selected
- Download: Click Download button
- Result: PDF file saved to your computer
Purpose
PDF format preserves your leading, kerning, and layout across all devices. Learn more about saving Canva designs as PDF for advanced export options.
Verification
Confirm your eBook exported correctly by checking these items:
- Open downloaded PDF in Adobe Reader or browser
- Verify all pages appear in correct order
- Check text remains readable without blurring
- Confirm images display at proper quality
- Test any hyperlinks if included
- Review color accuracy matches your design
Troubleshooting
Text Appears Blurry in Downloaded PDF
Solution: Re-download using “PDF Print” instead of “PDF Standard” for higher resolution output.
Images Look Pixelated
Solution: Replace low-quality images with files at minimum 300 DPI resolution. Avoid stretching small images beyond original dimensions.
Template Elements Won’t Edit
Solution: Elements with crown icons require Canva Pro. Select alternative free elements or upgrade your account.
Pages Export in Wrong Order
Solution: Return to workspace, drag pages to correct positions in the page navigator at bottom of screen before re-exporting.
Colors Look Different in PDF
Solution: Canva uses RGB color mode. For print, colors may shift. Use CMYK values when possible for physical printing.
File Size Too Large
Solution: Compress images before uploading or choose “PDF Standard” which creates smaller files than “PDF Print” option.
FAQ on How To Make An Ebook In Canva
Is Canva Free for Making eBooks?
Yes. Canva Free includes hundreds of eBook templates, basic design elements, and PDF export options.
Pro unlocks premium templates (marked with crown icons), brand kit features, background remover, and additional stock photos.
What Size Should My Canva eBook Be?
Standard eBook sizes include A4 (8.27 x 11.69 inches) and US Letter (8.5 x 11 inches).
Both work well for digital distribution. Choose based on your target audience’s location and reading preferences.
Can I Sell eBooks Made in Canva?
Yes. You can sell eBooks created in Canva on platforms like Gumroad, Etsy, or Amazon KDP.
Customize templates significantly to make them unique. Raw, unedited templates cannot be resold as-is.
How Do I Add Hyperlinks to My Canva eBook?
Select any text or element, click the chain link icon in the toolbar, paste your URL, and apply.
Links remain clickable when you export as PDF Standard. Test all links after downloading.
What Format Should I Export My eBook In?
Export as JPEG for individual page images, PDF Standard for online sharing, or PDF Print for physical printing.
PDF preserves formatting, fonts, and layout across all devices and operating systems.
Can I Use Canva Templates for Commercial eBooks?
Yes, with modifications. Canva’s license allows commercial use of templates when you add original content and customize the design.
Check font licensing if using fonts outside Canva’s library.
How Do I Make My eBook Interactive?
Add clickable hyperlinks, embed videos using Canva’s video feature, or include QR codes linking to external resources.
Learn how to make a QR code in Canva for scannable content.
Can Multiple People Edit the Same eBook in Canva?
Yes. Click Share, add team members by email, and set editing permissions.
Collaborative editing works in real-time. Multiple users can work on different pages simultaneously without conflicts.
How Do I Create a Table of Contents in Canva?
Use a text-heavy template page or create manually with text boxes listing chapter titles and page numbers.
Add hyperlinks to each entry for clickable navigation within your digital publication.
Why Does My eBook Look Blurry When Downloaded?
Low-resolution images or choosing PDF Standard instead of PDF Print causes blurriness.
Upload images at minimum 300 DPI. Select PDF Print for sharper output with higher vector graphics quality.
Conclusion
You now have a complete roadmap for how to make an eBook in Canva, from selecting templates to exporting your final PDF.
The process requires no design background. Just prepared content and a few hours of focused work.
Your finished eBook can serve as a lead magnet, a product on Etsy or Amazon KDP, or a resource for your existing audience.
Focus on clean baseline grids, consistent tracking in your text, and enough white space to let content breathe.
Once you master eBook creation, explore related projects like digital planners or booklets.
Start with one template. Customize it completely. Download and share.
Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients.
His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8.
He also wrote in the past years on sites like Design Your Way, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Designmodo, Speckyboy, Slider Revolution, and more.
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Bogdan Sandu is a seasoned designer who has been designing websites since 2008. Renowned for his expertise in logo design and visual branding, Bogdan has developed a multitude of logos for various clients. His skills extend to creating posters, vector illustrations, business cards, and brochures. Additionally, Bogdan's UI kits were featured on marketplaces like Visual Hierarchy and UI8. He also wrote in the past years on sites like Design Your Way, WebDesignerDepot, WPDean, Designmodo, Speckyboy, Slider Revolution, and more.
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