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Understanding Image Flipping in Canva

Before you start rearranging your design elements, it’s helpful to know what flipping an image actually does and how it’s different from rotating.
What Does Flipping an Image Mean?
Flipping an image means creating a mirror image of it, either horizontally or vertically.
- Horizontal Flip: This turns the image left to right, as if you’re looking at it in a mirror. If a person in a photo is looking to the right, a horizontal flip will make them look to the left.
- Vertical Flip: This turns the image upside down. The top part of the image moves to the bottom, and the bottom part moves to the top.
You can find these options in the Canva editor’s toolbar after selecting an image. Besides flipping, you might also need to know how to replace an image in Canva if you decide to use a different one entirely.
Differences Between Flipping and Rotating Images
While both actions change the orientation of an image, they work differently.
Flipping creates a mirror image without changing the image’s angle. Rotating, on the other hand, turns an object around a central point, like the hands of a clock. You can rotate an image 360 degrees to get the exact angle you need for your design layout. Similarly, you can change the entire page orientation if you need to understand how to landscape in Canva.
Why Flip an Image?

Flipping an image may look like a tiny change.
However, it can make a big difference in your design. It is a handy tool for bettering your layout. You can also use it to add a fun touch.
Enhancing Composition and Flow
Sometimes, an image does not fit well in your design.
For example, if a person in a photo looks out of the frame, it pulls attention away. This can distract the viewer from your main message.
Flipping the image sideways can help. It makes the person look toward the center of your design.
This guides the viewer’s eye to the important content. This small change can enhance your layout’s appearance and make it feel more professional.
Mastering this is just as important as knowing how to cut out an image in Canva to isolate subjects.
Creating A Mirror Effect For Creative Designs
Flipping an image can create cool effects. You can make a copy of the image and flip it. Then, place the flipped image next to the original.
This will give you a mirrored look that is very neat.
This method is great for making abstract patterns or fun photo collages. It is also used for unique graphics on social media.
For more complex designs, you might want to learn how to slice in Canva to create even more intricate patterns.
Flipping can add style and make a simple design more interesting.
This is a great technique when you want to create a lookbook in Canva or design other engaging visual assets. If you’re creating templates for others, you may wonder, “Can I sell Canva designs on Etsy?” The answer is yes, and unique effects can make your templates more appealing.
Step-by-Step: Flipping an Image in Canva

Whether you’re working on a computer or going with your phone, Canva makes flipping images straightforward.
How to Flip an Image on the Canva Website?
If you’re using Canva on your PC, you can flip an image in just a few clicks.
- Select the Image: First, click on the image you want to flip in your Canva project. A blue bounding box will appear around it, showing that it’s selected.
- Find the Flip Option: With the image selected, look at the top menu bar that appears above your canvas. Click on the “Flip” button.
- Choose the Flip Direction: A dropdown menu will give you two options: “Flip horizontal” and “Flip vertical“. Click the one you need, and your image will instantly flip.
How to Flip an Image on the Canva Mobile App?
The process for flipping an image on the Canva mobile app for your iPhone or other mobile device is just as simple.
- Select the Image: Tap on the image in your design to select it.
- Find the Flip Option: A toolbar will appear at the bottom of the screen. You may need to swipe left on this toolbar to find the “Flip” option.
- Choose the Flip Direction: Tap “Flip” to open the flipping menu. You can then choose “Flip horizontal” to flip it sideways or “Flip vertical” to flip it upside down.
You can also flip a picture directly on your iPhone’s photo app by tapping “Edit,” selecting the crop tool, and then using the flip icon in the top-left corner.
Advanced Flipping Techniques in Canva
Once you’ve mastered the basics of flipping, you can try some more advanced techniques to enhance your designs.
Creating A Reflection Effect
A popular design trick is to create a realistic reflection. Here’s how you can do it:
- Duplicate Your Image: Select your image and duplicate it.
- Flip the Copy: Select the duplicated image and use the “Flip vertical” option.
- Position and Adjust: Move the flipped image directly below the original. To make it look like a real reflection, reduce its transparency. You can also learn how to fade an image on Canva for a smoother effect. For added depth, you might also want to explore how to add shadow in Canva.
What Elements Can Be Flipped in Canva?
In Canva, you’re not just limited to flipping photos. You can flip a variety of elements, including:
- Illustrations and Graphics: Most of Canva’s library of graphics and shapes can be flipped. When using them, it’s wise to ask, “are Canva images copyright free?” to ensure you’re compliant.
- Stickers: Animated and static stickers can also be flipped to fit your design.
- Videos: You can even flip videos horizontally or vertically. For dynamic video content, you might also want to know how to put a timer in Canva.
- Shapes with Gradients: While you can’t flip a basic shape directly, you can save it as a PNG with a transparent background, re-upload it, and then flip the new image.
How To Flip Text In Canva?

Canva doesn’t have a direct button to flip a text box, but there’s a clever workaround. Learning how to flip text in Canva involves turning it into an image first.
- Step 1: Add Text To The Canvas Using The Text Tab – First, add your text to the design. Go to the “Text” tab on the left-side panel, add a heading or paragraph, and type your message. Customize the font, size, and color as you like. While you’re at it, you can explore how to curve text in Canva or how to outline text in Canva for more style. If you want to use custom branding, you may ask, “Can you upload fonts to Canva?”
- Step 2: Download The Text Project As A PNG – Once your text looks right, you need to save it as an image. Click the “Share” button and select “Download“. Choose “PNG” as the file type and, if you have Canva Pro, check the box for “Transparent background.” This Pro feature is a major benefit, but it’s worth asking, “Is Canva Pro worth it?” for your needs. Then, click the download button.
- Step 3: Upload The Text Project Back Into Canva – After you download the text image, go to the “Uploads” tab in Canva and upload the PNG file you just saved. Once it’s uploaded, you can drag it onto your canvas.
- Step 4: Click On The Flip Feature Above The Canvas And Select The Orientation – Now that your text is an image, you can flip it. Click on the uploaded text image, and the “Flip” option will appear in the top menu. You can now flip it horizontally or vertically, just like any other image. This method of flipping text allows for many creative possibilities in your layout.
How To Rotate Images & Text in Canva?

Rotating elements in Canva is a straightforward process. You can do it manually for a custom angle or in set increments for more precision.
- Step 1: Select the Element – First, click on the image or the text box you wish to rotate. When you select it, a blue bounding box will appear around the element, indicating it’s ready to be edited.
- Step 2: Find the Rotation Handle – Look for the rotation handle, which appears as an icon with two circling arrows, located at the bottom of the bounding box.
- Step 3: Click and Drag to Rotate – Click and hold the rotation handle. As you move your mouse, the element will begin rotating. Canva will display the angle in degrees as you turn it, allowing you to find the perfect orientation for your layout.
- Step 4: Use the Shift Key for Precise Adjustments – For more controlled rotating, hold down the Shift key on your keyboard while you drag the rotation handle. This will lock the rotation to 15-degree increments, making it simple to set your element to common angles like 15, 30, 45, or 90 degrees. Release the mouse button and the Shift key when you are satisfied with the position.
FAQ’s:
How Do You Flip an Image Horizontally in Canva?
To flip an image horizontally, first select the image. On the Canva website, click the “Flip” button in the top menu and choose “Flip horizontal“. On the mobile app, find the “Flip” option in the bottom toolbar and tap “Flip horizontal“.
How Do You Flip an Image Vertically in Canva?
To flip an image vertically, select the image. On the website, click “Flip” from the top menu and select “Flip vertical“. On the mobile app, tap “Flip” in the bottom toolbar and choose “Flip vertical“.
Can You Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Flip an Image in Canva?
Canva does not have keyboard shortcuts for flipping images. There are no quick keys to make this change. You must use the “Flip” button instead. This button is found in the editor’s toolbar or top menu.
Conclusion
Flipping and rotating images and text in Canva is an important skill. You can fix the angle of a photo or make special visual effects.
For those creating marketing materials, knowing how to sell Canva templates on Etsy can turn your design skills into a business.
And if you’re creating documents, learning how to add a clickable link in Canva PDF is essential for interactivity.
There is no easy way to flip a text box, but the PNG method works well.
Following these steps will help enhance your designs. Master tools such as the shift key and bounding box for rotating objects effectively.
Applying these suggestions enables you to create more visually appealing and distinctive designs.