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How to Add a Gradient in Canva – 5 Ways

Last Modified: April 16, 2024

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Gradients can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of your designs.

Canva makes it simple to apply gradients in various ways. So far, I have found 5.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add a gradient in Canva.

How to Add a Gradient in Canva

You can add a gradient in Canva in 5 ways:

Adding colors from scratch
Using an element with a gradient
Using a background with a gradient
Canva gradient apps
Adding a gradient to text

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Related: Canva cost per month

Check out the video or read the steps below on the different ways to add gradients to Canva.

1. How to Add a Gradient in Canva From Scratch

Select your element in Canva, click the color tile, choose ‘Gradient’ above ‘Document colors,’ add or adjust your gradient colors, and apply a style from the options below.

1. Select Your Element

Choose and click on the element to which you want to add the gradient. This could be a shape, text box, or the background.

2. Open the Color Editor

With the element selected, click on the color tile from the editor toolbar to open the color options.

3. Navigate to Document Colors:

In the color editor, you’ll see the ‘Document colors’ section, which displays colors you’ve already used in your design or saved to your brand kit.

4. Choose Your Gradient

Above the ‘Document colors’, click on the ‘Gradient’ option to switch from solid color to gradient.

5. Adjust Gradient Colors

Click the ‘+’ sign in the ‘Gradient colors’ section to create a new gradient. Select your first color from the ‘Document colors.’ Repeat the process for the second color to complete the gradient.

6. Adjust the Gradient Direction

You’ll find different gradient directions: linear, radial, and diagonal.

Click on one to apply it to your selected element. You can further customize the gradient by clicking on the style again and adjusting the direction and spread of the gradient colors.

7. Finalize and Apply

Once you are satisfied with the gradient customization, click away from the color editor to apply the changes to your element.

2. How to Add Gradients with Premade Canva Gradient Elements

To add a premade gradient element in Canva, search for “gradient” under the “Elements” tab, select a gradient style, then click and drag it onto your canvas; adjust color, size, and position as needed.

1. Search for a gradient element

Select “Elements” from the left sidebar and search for ‘gradient’. You will see shapes or icons that are prefilled with gradients.

Some of these may be editable, and you can customize them with your own colors. Some are images, and you can’t change their colors.

2. Choose an element

Choose an element with a gradient and apply it to your design.

After placing an element on your canvas, click on it, and then click on the color tile. Select the gradient option from the color editor to apply a gradient.

3. Customize your element’s gradient:

Modify the gradient by changing colors and direction, and spread it to blend seamlessly with your design.

3. How to Add a Gradient Background in Canva

To add a gradient background in Canva, select ‘Background’ from the left menu, click ‘Gradients’, choose your preferred style, and it will be applied to your entire design. If the background can be edited, you can add your own custom colors.

1. Select a background gradient

Open your project in Canva on the menu to your left, and click on Background.

You will see options like Landscapes, Patterns, Gradients, and more.

Click on Gradients -> Show All to see all the background options with gradients. Like the elements, some of them will be editable, some not.

Explore different versions and choose the background you want.

2. Set a gradient background

Once you know the one you want, click on it, and it will be set as a gradient background for your design.

In other words, unlike the element, which was just a shape added to your design, it will be applied as a background on your entire design when you choose the background gradient.

If the background allows it, you can adjust the gradient direction and colors to match your design aesthetics.

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4. How to Add Gradients with Canva Apps

To add gradients with Canva Apps, select ‘Apps’ from the toolbar, choose ‘Gradient Generator’ for multi-color gradients or ‘Mesh Gradient’ for a 3D effect, customize your gradient within the app, and apply it to your canvas.

1. Search for gradient in Canva Apps

From your design page, click on “Apps” from the left-hand toolbar to open the apps and integrations menu.

You will see 3 apps displayed:

2. Select your gradient app

If you want to use a gradient within a shape, you will have to use the Gradient Generator or the Mesh Gradient app.

The Gradient Generator lets you add more colors. You can also add some noise or texture.

The Mesh Gradient lets you add only 2 colors but gives you more of a 3D look with the gradients.

3. Generate and customize gradients

Choose the app you want, and then use the app’s interface to create a custom gradient.

You can adjust only the color schemes in these apps, not the direction or intensity.

4. Apply the Gradient

Once you’ve created the gradient, click on ‘Use it in design’, and the gradient element will be applied to your canvas in Canva.

5. How to add a gradient to text in Canva

To add a gradient to text in Canva, use the TypeGradient app found in Canva apps. Write your text, select your font, customize the gradient colors and positions, and then click ‘Add to Design’ to apply it to your project.

1. Find the TypeGradient

Search for ‘gradient’ in Canva apps, and you will find the TypeGradient app.

2. Write your text

Write in the app interface the text you want to add a gradient to. Choose your font and alignment.

3. Customize the colors

Add as many colors as you need in the text. You can also adjust the sliders to change the position of the colors.

When you are done, click ‘Add to Design’.

And that’s how you can add a gradient to a text in Canva! Also, check out how to highlight text.

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Try out all Canva Pro features

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FAQ: FAQ: How to add a gradient in Canva

What is a gradient, and why should I use it in my designs?

A gradient is a transition between two or more colors, adding depth and visual appeal to your designs, which can enhance customer engagement.

How do I add a gradient to my Canva design?

To add a gradient, open your design, click on “Elements,” search for “Gradients,” select one, and drag it onto your canvas; adjust colors as needed.

Can I customize the colors in a pre-existing gradient in Canva?

es, click the gradient, then the color icon, and choose or input new colors to match your brand or design theme.

Is it possible to save a custom gradient to use in other designs?

Canva does not currently allow saving custom gradients, but you can duplicate the design to reuse the gradient in new projects.

How can I apply a gradient as the background of my design in Canva?

Select the ‘Background’ tab, choose a gradient option, and adjust its scale and direction directly on your canvas to suit your design.

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