The Truth Behind Canva's Template Link Update Changes (And Why You Don't Need to Panic)
If you sell or use Canva templates as a digital product seller, you've likely heard about Canva's June 2025 template link update. On May 6th, Canva sent an email titled "Important Changes to Canva Template Links" that sparked widespread confusion—and in some cases, unnecessary panic. In the email, Canva stated:
"Starting June 2, 2025, Template Links will become a premium feature, included for paid users, but not for free users. From June 2, 2025, free users who share the same email domain as the owner of a Template Link will need to be on a paid plan to open or edit shared templates."
Within hours of the announcement, creator communities across the web were in turmoil. Some coaches urged sellers to update their product messaging, claiming we should let our buyers know they'll need Canva Pro by June 2nd or accessing a link after that date might not work any longer. Others were told to update the digital product delivery PDF that we upload to platforms like Etsy, Shopify, Stan Store, Beacons.ai, among others.
Thankfully, much of the concern turned out to be unnecessary.
As someone who's built my digital product business on Canva—and as a seller who serves other digital product creators—I needed to verify the facts. A change of this magnitude just didn't make any sense, so I contacted Canva directly and asked: Would our buyers really need Canva Pro just to use the templates we share with them?
Breaking Down Canva’s Response
An amazing representative from Canva's support team responded within two hours and shared the following:
"In most cases, buyers using Canva Free with a different email domain from yours will still be able to access and use your templates as before, including the links you shared before June. Only free users who share the same email domain as the owner of a Template Link will need to be on a paid plan.
In other words: your average customer who purchases a Canva template can still use it with a free Canva account. They'll still be able to open or edit product links after June 2. While sellers need Canva Pro to use the tool to create and share template links, those with free accounts do not need Pro to use your product links that will continue to work—even for free users."
Canva's response confirmed the changes addressed in their email primarily affects internal teams and organizations, not typical template buyers.
So, what does this actually mean for those of us creating and selling Canva templates?
✅ Canva Free users will no longer be able to create or share new template links after June 2.
✅ Only Canva Pro, Teams, Enterprise, Education, and Nonprofits users will be able to create and share template links.
✅ Existing template links created before June 2 will continue to work.
⚠️ If a free user shares your email domain (i.e., they're part of your organization or team), they will need a paid plan to access templates shared via a template link.
This change primarily affects internal collaboration—ensuring brand consistency across teams and organizations using shared domains. It is not a crackdown on template sharing with your customers.
In short, if you’re a digital product seller using Canva to share templates with buyers outside your team or organization, you can continue doing so with confidence—nothing has changed for your customers.
What This Means for Digital Product Sellers
For entrepreneurs and creators who sell Canva templates as digital products, here's the simple breakdown:
✅ You must have a Canva Pro (or equivalent paid) plan to continue creating and sharing new template links after June 2, 2025.
✅ Your buyers can still use your templates with a Canva Free account as long as:
- They are not part of your Canva Team or organization
- They don't share your domain
- The template uses only free Canva elements
✅ Templates shared before June 2 will continue to work—even for Canva users on the free account.
How to Keep Your Canva Template Business Running Smoothly
Here's how to move forward with ease and reassurance:
- Keep using Canva Pro or equivalent to create and sell your templates
- Continue delivering your products via template links as you always have
- When creating templates for Canva Free users, consider using free elements to ensure they can edit without upgrade prompts
- Add language to your product listings such as: "This Canva template is fully editable with a free account. No Pro subscription required unless you choose to use Pro elements."
- Clarify for any team or organization clients that domain-based access rules may apply when they use Canva templates shared through a link
Canva’s Ongoing Policies Every Template Seller Should Remember
With all the attention on Canva’s June update,several foundational Canva rules still apply—and they’re worth revisiting.
- Buyers with Canva Free accounts can still edit and use your templates as long as they contain only free elements
- If you're using Canva's pro elements in your templates, free users will be prompted to pay for those or upgrade
- Only original designs may be sold—reselling Canva's pre-made templates is prohibited
- Only those with a Canva Pro account and paid plan may sell templates using template links
Final Thoughts: Continue Creating with Confidence
Canva's June 2, 2025 template link update sparked confusion in creator communities, but as we've seen from both their official email and my conversations with their support team, the reality is far less dramatic than many feared:
✅ You can still sell your templates, but this is a paid feature on Canva Pro
✅ Your buyers can still use them with free Canva accounts
✅ Only sellers need Canva Pro—and only same-domain free users will experience any restriction
The key takeaway is found right in Canva's own message: "Templates are important to stay on-brand, and keep designs consistent across your organization." This update is about organizational brand consistency, not restricting access for your template buyers.
So, don't panic. Don't feel pressured to overhaul messaging for your product line. Whether you're creating a printable, custom design, or event monthly calendars, knowing you can continue to use Canva - instead of a complicated software program - to craft amazing templates with confidence. And by doing so, you'll help your customers do the same by sharing accurate information about these changes.
I’ll keep a close eye on Canva’s updates and continue sharing helpful insights, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Christina is the founder of Boundless PLR, where she helps digital product sellers launch with confidence using done-for-you PLR and MRR templates. Browse our products here: MRR and PLR Templates
Just getting started selling digital products? The Ultimate Digital Store Launch Kit with MRR and PLR resell rights will help you launch your shop with ease. Get it here
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