Canva is a super popular design tool that helps people create everything from social media posts to business presentations. But have you ever started designing something and then realized you need to switch from portrait to landscape (or the other way around)?
If you’ve been scratching your head, wondering “Can I change the portrait and landscape setting in Canva?”, the answer is YES! But, it depends on whether you’re using Canva Free or Canva Pro.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to change the page orientation in Canva for both free and pro users. Plus, I’ll share some handy tips, common problems, and easy fixes to make your designs look perfect after resizing.
Understanding Page Orientation in Canva
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand the two types of page orientations:
| Orientation | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | Taller than it is wide (e.g., 1080 x 1920 px) | Posters, resumes, mobile stories, book covers |
| Landscape | Wider than it is tall (e.g., 1920 x 1080 px) | Presentations, YouTube thumbnails, Facebook covers |
💡 Fun fact: Canva doesn’t have a direct “Rotate Canvas” button like Photoshop, but there are smart ways to switch orientations!
How to Change Page Orientation in Canva
Method 1: Using Canva Pro (Super Easy Way!)
If you have Canva Pro, you’re in luck! Pro users can resize their designs in seconds with the Magic Resize tool. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Open your design in Canva.
2️⃣ Click on the “Resize” button at the top.
3️⃣ Choose from preset dimensions (e.g., “Instagram Post” to “YouTube Thumbnail”) OR enter custom width and height.
4️⃣ Click “Resize” to change the current design OR “Copy & Resize” to create a new version with the new orientation.
🎉 Boom! You’re done! Canva automatically adjusts everything, so you don’t need to move elements manually.
🚀 Why this method is awesome:
✅ One-click solution.
✅ Saves time and effort.
✅ Keeps everything proportionate.
❌ Downside: Only available in Canva Pro (but you can try the 30-day free trial!).
Method 2: Manual Method for Free Users (Takes a Bit More Work!)
If you’re using Canva Free, there’s no “Resize” button, but don’t worry! Here’s how you can change portrait to landscape manually:
1️⃣ Check your current dimensions.
- Click on File > Show Rulers & Guides (if needed).
2️⃣ Create a new design with opposite dimensions.
- Example: If your current design is 1080 x 1920 px (portrait), create a new file with 1920 x 1080 px (landscape).
3️⃣ Copy elements from the old design:
- Select everything (Ctrl + A or Cmd + A).
- Click Ctrl + C (or Cmd + C on Mac) to copy.
4️⃣ Paste elements into the new design.
- Click Ctrl + V (Cmd + V on Mac).
- Resize and adjust if needed.
5️⃣ Save your new design by clicking Download > Choose Format (PNG, JPG, PDF, etc.).
🚀 Why this method is useful:
✅ Works for Canva Free users.
✅ Gives full control over adjustments.
❌ Downside:
- Takes more time (especially for complex designs).
- Some elements may not fit perfectly, requiring manual tweaking.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Orientation Change
Changing the page layout might mess up some elements, so here are some pro tips to fix it quickly:
🔹 Use Canva’s Alignment Tools
- Click Position > Align to Grid to ensure everything stays in place.
🔹 Group Elements Before Copy-Pasting
- Select all elements and click Ctrl + G (Cmd + G on Mac) to keep them together.
🔹 Resize Images Without Stretching
- Hold Shift while resizing to maintain proportions.
🔹 Adjust Text and Font Size
- Large fonts may look weird in the new orientation. Resize if necessary.
Common Issues & How to Fix Them
| Issue | Why It Happens | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Text looks misplaced | Canva doesn’t auto-adjust all elements | Use Align & Position tools |
| Images are cropped | Original images don’t fit new dimensions | Resize or replace images |
| Design looks empty | More space in landscape mode | Add extra elements like icons, shapes, or text |
🚀 Pro Tip: If your design looks messy, use Canva’s grid feature to rearrange everything easily.
Why Canva Pro is Worth It for Resizing
If you regularly need to switch between portrait and landscape, Canva Pro can save you HOURS of work.
| Feature | Canva Free | Canva Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Resize designs | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Magic Resize | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Custom dimensions | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Auto adjust elements | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Free trial available | ✅ Yes (30 days) | ✅ Yes |
🔥 Should you get Canva Pro?
If you only occasionally switch orientations, Canva Free is fine. But if you design regularly, Canva Pro is 100% worth it because it makes the process effortless.
Accessing Canva’s Design Tools
Open Canva and log in. Click on the “Create a design” button. Choose your preferred design type. This could be a poster, card, or social media post. You can change the design size later.
After selecting your design type, the editor will open. The toolbar is on the left side. You will see options for elements, text, and more. The canvas is in the center. Use it to create your design. The top bar shows options to undo or redo actions.
Changing Orientation In Existing Designs
Open your design in Canva. Click on the Resize button at the top. Choose the new orientation you want. For landscape, switch the width and height values. For portrait, do the opposite. Click the Copy & Resize button. Your design will now have the new orientation.
Some elements might not fit well after changing orientation. You may need to adjust text boxes, images, and other elements. Drag and resize them to fit the new layout. Ensure everything looks balanced and centered. Use Canva’s alignment tools for better results.
Creating Custom Dimensions
Start by opening Canva. Click on the “Create a design” button. Choose “Custom dimensions” from the dropdown menu. Enter the width and height you need. For portrait, the height is more than the width. For landscape, the width is more than the height. Click “Create new design” to proceed.
After creating a design, you can save it as a template. Click on “File” at the top-left corner. Choose “Save as template” from the menu. Name your template and click “Save”. To use the template later, go to “All your designs”. Click on your saved template to edit it. This saves time and keeps your designs consistent.
Tips For Effective Design
Visual balance is key in design. It makes your work pleasing to the eye. Spread your elements evenly. Use space wisely. Avoid cluttered designs. Keep it simple.
Pick elements that fit your theme. Use colors that match. Add text that is easy to read. Choose images that are clear. Align elements for neatness. This keeps your design clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Change Orientation In Canva?
Click on Resize, select your desired dimensions, then choose portrait or landscape.
Can I Switch Between Portrait And Landscape In Canva?
Yes, you can switch orientations using the Resize option.
Is It Possible To Resize Images In Canva?
Yes, resize images by selecting Resize and setting new dimensions.
Does Canva Offer Custom Dimensions For Designs?
Yes, you can set custom dimensions in the Resize section.
Can I Create Both Portrait And Landscape Designs In Canva?
Yes, Canva supports both orientations for your designs.
How Do I Make A Landscape Design In Canva?
Select Resize, input dimensions, and choose landscape orientation.
Can I Change The Dimensions Of An Existing Canva Design?
Yes, use the Resize option to change dimensions anytime.
Do I Need Canva Pro To Change Orientation?
No, orientation changes are available in the free version.
Conclusion
So, can you change portrait and landscape settings in Canva? YES, you can! 🎉
👉 If you have Canva Pro, use the Resize Tool for an instant fix.
👉 If you use Canva Free, manually copy and paste elements into a new design.
📢 Final Tip: If you need to resize designs frequently, try Canva Pro’s 30-day free trial and see how much easier it makes your workflow.
Now that you know how to switch between portrait and landscape mode, go ahead and try it out in Canva! 🚀
