How to change a poster to landscape in canva: A step-by-step guide to transforming your Canva poster layout

Changing a poster from portrait to landscape orientation in Canva is a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure your design elements adapt seamlessly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Your Poster: Log in to Canva and navigate to your poster design.
2. Resize the Canvas: Click on the “Resize” button in the toolbar (available for Canva Pro users). Enter your desired landscape dimensions (e.g., swap width and height: from 24"x36" portrait to 36"x24" landscape).
3. Copy & Resize (Free Users): If you’re using the free version, create a new canvas with landscape dimensions and copy-paste your elements from the original design.
4. Rearrange Elements: Select all design elements and reposition or resize them to fit the new orientation. This might include rotating text boxes, resizing images, or re-aligning graphics to suit the landscape format.
5. Preview & Download: Double-check the alignment, spacing, and visual balance. Once satisfied, download your poster in the desired format.

As a designer, I always encourage users to consider how layout orientation impacts visual hierarchy and viewer engagement. When adapting your poster, think about flow and focal points, which are essential in any effective room planner project.

Tips 1:

Before resizing, duplicate your design in Canva to preserve your original version. This way, you can experiment freely without losing your first layout.

FAQ

Q: Is the “Resize” button available for free Canva users?

A: No, the one-click “Resize” feature is exclusive to Canva Pro. Free users need to manually create a new landscape design and copy elements.

Q: Will text and images automatically adjust to the new orientation?

A: No, you’ll need to manually reposition and possibly resize text and images after changing orientation.

Q: Can I change orientation on the Canva mobile app?

A: The resize feature is limited on mobile; it’s best to use the desktop version for changing poster orientation.

Q: What’s the best resolution for a landscape poster in Canva?

A: Use high-resolution dimensions (e.g., 36"x24" at 300 DPI) for print quality. Always check your printing service’s requirements.

Q: How do I maintain design quality after resizing?

A: Work with vector elements and high-res images, adjust your layout thoughtfully, and double-check for any pixelation or layout issues.