Here at Designers Choice, we love using a good graphic design tool to bring ideas to life. Canva is a favorite for many people, from students to professionals running an online business. It’s great for making everything from homework covers to beautiful social media graphics.
If you’re creating a professional portfolio, you might even want to learn how to create a lookbook in Canva to showcase your work.
One of the best parts of Canva is its giant library of pictures and shapes.
But with so many choices in Canva’s endless options, how do you find the perfect one? The secret is using the right Canva elements keywords.
This blog post is your guide to becoming a master at finding the best Canva elements for any project. Using the right search words will save you countless hours and take your Canva creations to the next level.
Whether you are designing for print or need to know how to add a clickable link in Canva PDF for digital files, these keywords are the foundation.
What Are Canva Elements Keywords and Why Are They Important?
Think of Canva as a huge treasure chest.
Inside, you’ll find a goldmine of design assets. To find the treasure you want, you need a map. Canva keywords are that map. They are the words you type into the search bar to find exactly what you need.
Understanding Canva’s Element Library
When you open a project in Canva, you see a menu on the side. One of the buttons says “Elements.” This is the elements tab.
Clicking it opens up the elements section, which is like a giant digital library. This library is filled with millions of graphic elements: shapes, stickers, photos, and videos. There are simple geometric shapes, detailed drawings, and realistic stock photos.
Once you find the perfect photo, knowing how to replace an image in Canva with your chosen element is essential for a smooth workflow.
Your job is to find the right elements in this huge collection. The selection of elements is amazing, but you need a way to sort through it.
The Role of Keywords in Element Searches
Keywords are the words that tell Canva what you are looking for.
When you type “sun” into the elements search bar, Canva shows you all the pictures it has that are tagged with the word “sun.”
These search words are called elements keywords. Using the right keywords is the most important skill for finding the perfect elements quickly. It’s the difference between finding the exact image you have in your head in seconds or spending a long time scrolling.
Benefits of Using Specific Keywords
Using general words is okay, but using specific keywords is much better.
If you just type “flower,” you will get thousands of results.
But if you type “blue hand-drawn flower,” you will get a much smaller, better list of pictures to choose from. This helps you work faster and makes your graphic design work look more professional.
It ensures all your design elements fit your style. Finding the right Canva element keywords is a skill that will make you a much better designer.
How to Effectively Search For Canva Elements Keywords?
Searching for Canva elements is a skill you can learn.
With a few simple tricks, you can find amazing graphics for your social media posts and other projects.
Starting With Broad and Simple Terms
The easiest way to start is with simple words.
If you need a picture of a dog, just type “dog.” This gives you a starting point. From there, you can see what kinds of dog pictures are available. You might see cartoon dogs, photos of dogs, and drawings of dogs.
This can give you ideas for more specific words to use next.
If the orientation isn’t quite right for your layout, learning how to flip an image in Canva can quickly fix the composition.
Using Brand Codes and Creator Names (e.g., brand:BRANDCODE)
Did you know that many artists who add their work to Canva have special codes? These are called brand codes.
If you find a specific element you really like, you can often find its creator’s code. To do this, click the three dots on the element.
You might see a name and a code that looks like “brand:BRANDCODE“.
If you type this code into the search bar, you will see all the canva elements made by that artist. This is a great way to find many graphics that have a similar style. Following your favorite Canva creators is like having a best friend who makes art just for you.
Combining Keywords For More Precise Results
To really get good results, start mixing your keywords. Don’t just search for “arrow.” Search for “wavy red arrow” or “dotted line arrow.”
This helps Canva narrow down the options and show you the perfect canva elements. You can combine words for colors, styles, and objects.
For example, “minimalist pink circle” will give you much different results than just “circle.”
Using bold colors in your search terms, like “bright yellow,” can also help.
Using Canva’s “Magic Recommendations”
Canva has a very helpful tool called Magic Recommendations. When you add an element to your design, Canva will automatically show you a box with similar elements. This is a fantastic way to find more graphics that match the one you already like. If you find a piece of line art you love, the magic recommendations might show you more from the same set or by the same artist, helping you find new keywords to use later.
Top Canva Elements Keywords For Every Design Need
Here is a helpful list of canva keywords to get you started. Try these out to find some of the best canva elements keywords for your designs.
Keywords For Abstract Shapes and Lines
Abstract elements are great for adding a modern feel to your design. They aren’t pictures of one specific thing, but they add style and interest. You can even learn how to slice in Canva to customize these shapes further.
Try searching for these:
- boho abstract
- blob
- gradient shapes
- scribble
- shapes
- geometric shapes
- abstract pattern
- organic shapes
- line art
Keywords For Organic and Hand-Drawn Illustrations
If you want your design to feel personal and handmade, hand-drawn illustrations are perfect. These cute elements add a lot of charm.
Try these keywords:
- hand-drawn
- doodle
- illustration
- charcoal
- sketch
- organic
- botanical line drawing
- rustic
- imperfect
Keywords For Minimalist and Modern Graphics
Minimalist designs are simple, clean, and professional. They use simple lines and shapes to look classy.
If you want this look for your web design or posts, try these terms:
- minimalist
- clean
- monoline
- simple line
- modern
- thin line
- basic shape
Keywords For Animated Stickers and Dynamic Elements
Animated, or moving, elements can make your social media content pop. They grab attention and make your designs more fun.
For video projects utilizing these stickers, you might also need to know how to put a timer in Canva to manage your clip duration.
Search for these to find moving graphics:
- animated
- sticker
- moving
- sparkle
- blinking
- glowing
- arrow sticker
- reaction
Keywords For Backgrounds and Textures
A good background can change the whole feel of your design. Whether you want something simple or full of texture, there are keywords for that.
Sometimes, you may want to learn how to fade an image on Canva
So the background doesn’t overpower your content, or how to landscape in Canva if you need to change the page orientation.
Try these:
- paper texture
- gradient background
- wood texture
- pattern
- wallpaper
- marble
- fabric texture
- glitter background
Advanced Tips For Mastering Your Canva Element Search
Once you know the basics, you can try some of these more advanced tricks to find even better design elements.
Searching For Monoline and Duo-Tone Graphics
Monoline graphics are made with a single line that has the same thickness all the way through. They look very clean and modern.
Duo-tone graphics use only two colors. You can search for “monoline” or “duotone” along with other keywords (like “monoline flower”) to find these specific styles. Matching the right elements is just as important as creating good Canva font pairings.
Speaking of typography, checking a comprehensive Canva fonts list or knowing how to upload fonts to Canva can give you even more options.
Finding Cutouts and Photo-Realistic Elements
Sometimes you need a picture of a real object or person without the background. These are often called cutouts.
Try searching for words like “cutout,” “isolated,” or “person walking cutout.” This is a great way to find high-quality images that look like professional stock photos you can place anywhere in your design.
This is where the Canva Background Remover tool shines, or you can learn how to cut out an image in Canva manually.
Perfecting Your Text Layout
Don’t forget to polish your text to match your elements.
Mastering typography involves knowing how to curve text in Canva, how to outline text in Canva, or even how to wrap text in Canva around your new illustrations. Simple tweaks like knowing how to indent in Canva or how to highlight text in Canva make a big difference.
If you make a mistake, it helps to know does Canva has spell check. You can also get creative and learn how to flip text in Canva or how to add a shadow in Canva for depth.
Using Negative Keywords to Refine Searches
This is a very powerful trick. You can tell Canva what you don’t want to see by adding a minus sign (–) before a word.
For example, if you want pictures of flowers but you don’t want any red ones, you can search for “flower -red“. This removes all the red flowers from your search results, helping you find what you need faster.
Saving Your Favorite Elements and Creators
When you find canva elements or canva creators that you love, don’t lose them! You can save your favorite canva elements by clicking the star icon.
This adds them to a special “Starred” folder so you can use them again easily. You can also follow creators to see their new work.
Over time, you can build your own personal Canva archive of your favorite graphics, which is a key part of an efficient workflow for any graphic design project. This is much better than trying to remember your favorite Canva elements keywords every time. If you are creating digital products, this efficiency is key when learning how to sell Canva templates on Etsy.
FAQ’s:
Can I Find Free Canva Elements Using keywords?
Yes, absolutely! Canva has millions of free elements that anyone can use, even on the free plan.
When you search in the elements tab, you can use the filter button to select “Free.” This will hide all the premium elements, which are marked with a small crown and require a Canva Pro subscription.
You can use the free elements for personal or commercial use, but always check the license for each one. Many people start with a free trial, but if you are on the fence, you might wonder if Canva Pro is worth it
or ask how much Canva Pro costs exactly. There are even ways to learn how to get Canva Pro for free legally to test it out.
How Do I Find Elements From A Specific Canva Creator?
The best way is to use their unique brand codes. If you find an element you like, click the three dots on it and look for the creator’s name.
Often, you can click their name to see more of their work.
If you find their brand code, type it into the search bar (e.g., brand:12345) to see their entire collection.
This helps you get a similar style across all your Canva creations. Also, if you are designing marketing materials, you might be curious: Do Canva QR codes expire?
It is always good to check the functionality of the elements you use.
What Are the Best Canva Keywords For Aesthetic Designs?
To find beautiful, trendy, and aesthetic elements, you should use keywords that describe a mood or feeling. Some of the best keywords are: aesthetic, vintage, film grain, retro, delicate, dreamy, soft focus, moody, and ethereal.
Combining these with other terms, like “aesthetic flower” or “vintage paper,” will give you great results. You might also want to try festive options like Christmas fonts on Canva for seasonal aesthetic projects.
How Do Codes For Canva Elements Differ From Regular Keywords?
Regular canva keywords are general words that describe what an element is (e.g., “cat,” “circle,” “arrow”). Many different elements from many different creators can share the same keyword.
Brand codes, on the other hand, are unique codes assigned to specific Canva creators. When you search for a brand code, you only see elements from that one creator. It’s a direct way to find art from an artist you like.
What’s the Best Way to Discover New Element Keywords?
A great way to find new keywords is to look at the elements you already love.
Click on an element in your design, then click the “i” (info) button at the top. Canva will often show you the keywords associated with that specific element. You can also get ideas by looking at templates and seeing what graphic elements other content creators are using.
This is a smart move for your online business and overall content plan, almost like an SEO strategy for your designs.
Speaking of business, many users ask, “Can I sell Canva designs on Etsy?” or “Are Canva images copyright-free?”—always verify the licensing before you start selling.
What Tips Can I Use to Organize and Save My Favorite Canva Element Keywords?
Keeping a list is the best method. You can use a simple notebook or a document on your computer to write down your favorite Canva elements keywords. Organize them by style (e.g., “minimalist keywords,” “hand-drawn keywords”).
This way, when you start a new project, you can quickly look at your list and find the right keywords without having to remember them all. Some people also create a blank Canva design and fill it with their favorite Canva elements to use as a quick reference board.
Think of it as your own personal free Canva-type guide, but for elements.
Conclusion
Canva is an amazing tool that can help anyone create beautiful designs.
The key to unlocking its full power is learning the language of the elements tab. By mastering Canva elements keywords, you can stop searching and start creating. You can find the perfect elements every time, whether you’re making social media posts, flyers, or presentations.
It might seem like a lot to learn, but with a little practice, you’ll be finding incredible design elements in no time.
Finding that perfect Canva element can be so satisfying. It feels almost as relaxing as sitting back with a glass of wine. We hope this guide helps you make your best Canva creations yet.
