Still using Canva to create templates to sell on Etsy or other platforms? Here’s why that’s a smart move.
If you’ve been exploring how to create templates, design digital downloads, or start your own Canva template business, you’re not alone. Canva is a great go - to platform for creators who want to use Canva to make a range of products to sell on marketplaces like Creative Market, Shopify, and Etsy.
Whether you’re using a Canva Pro account or a free Canva account, it’s important to understand what’s permitted and how to use Canva content responsibly in your digital product business. Canva makes it easy to create a range of products — like planners, checklists, and lead magnets — but if you’re creating and selling digital products, especially on platforms like Etsy or Creative Market, you need to know how to use pre-designed templates and licensed assets correctly.
That’s why the recent policy updates triggered widespread panic among Canva users. It didn’t matter what types of digital products people were selling in their Etsy shop, they were concerned. And, if you’ve spent even five minutes in an online business or digital creator group lately, you’ve probably seen the panic:
“I'm done with Canva.”
“You can’t use Canva to create and sell templates anymore — it’s too risky.”
“I heard you’re not allowed to use Canva to create products for sale now.”
“Does this mean I have to take all my templates off Etsy?”
“Stop using Canva to design products you want to create and sell.”
Let’s pause for a moment.
Yes, Canva introduced new changes to how template links will function — starting June 2025 — for products that you design and sell on Creative Market or Etsy. And yes, it sparked confusion across the creator community. But here’s the thing — the sky isn’t falling. Canva remains an amazing graphic design tool and it’s evolving. In many ways, with a Canva Pro account, it’s better than ever for creating designs you plan to sell.
If you missed my full breakdown of the policy update, you can read it here. But today, I want to focus on what matters most now: how to keep creating, selling, and scaling with Canva — without the overwhelm. So let’s cut through the noise and get back to basics. Here’s the truth that’s getting lost in all the panic.
Canva Isn’t Your Business-It’s One of Your Tools
If you’re a digital product seller, Canva is likely a major part of your workflow. Many of us use this tool when we need to create templates to sell on Etsy. But it’s important to remember — Canva is not your business; it’s a tool to help you create and sell Canva templates. Your brand, your voice, your product ideas, your customer relationships… that’s your business. Canva is simply the creative engine helping you bring it all to life.
When Canva updates its features or adjusts its policies, there’s no need to panic — just take the time to understand the changes and adjust how you work. And while the rules may shift, the value of the platform hasn’t. Canva still offers incredible advantages — especially for digital product sellers who know how to use it strategically.
3 Reasons Canva Is Still a Smart Choice for Digital Product Creators
Now that we’ve clarified Canva’s role in your business, the question remains: Is Canva even worth your time? Here are three solid reasons why canva template sellers should keep using this powerful platform:
1. It Still Saves You Time and Headspace
Let’s be real — your to-do list is already long. Canva simplifies content creation and will allow you to create professional-looking designs without the stress, so you can focus on building relationships, launching offers, and growing your income. Whether you use it to design product mockups in batches or regularly pin your products to Pinterest, keep this in mind when using Canva: it’s designed to work with you, not slow you down.
2. It’s More Accessible Than Ever
One of Canva’s greatest strengths is its ease of use. You don’t need a design degree to create a stunning digital planner, content calendar, or opt-in freebie. Canva’s drag-and-drop interface, built-in templates, and brand kits make it possible for solo entrepreneurs and side hustlers to show up professionally-even without design experience.
3. It’s Packed With New Features from Canva Create 2025
This year’s Canva Create event didn’t just introduce new features — it introduced tools that transform how you scale your business. Here are the standouts that matter most to digital product creators:
- Magic Studio Expansion: AI-generated writing, design suggestions, image creation, and even layout adjustments are now smarter, faster, and more intuitive.
- Templates with Variables: Create bulk variations of a single template using dynamic fields-perfect for bundles or multi-version product lines.
- Workflow Automations: Set triggers to export files, organize folders, or even prepare marketing materials automatically — no Zapier required when you want to create Canva templates.
- Universal Resize & Theme Sync: Update your branding across every asset in one click. Talk about time-saving!
- Canvas-to-Web: Design simple, responsive landing pages inside Canva. Whether you’re creating a lead magnet, a freebie hub, or a one-page sales page, you can do it all without switching platforms.
- Multipage Websites & Dynamic Banners: Build more complex digital products and landing pages directly in Canva.
- Magic Write for Presenter Notes: Streamline your workflow with AI-powered notes and text highlighting in Canva Docs to create designs faster.
These tools don’t just make Canva more powerful — they make your business more scalable by utilizing Canva templates.
How to Get the Most Out of Canva — Without the Guesswork
Canva is still a powerful platform, but using it effectively now takes more than great design — you need clarity, compliance, and a strategy that supports your long-term business goals. Whether you’re selling templates, creating client-ready downloads, or designing lead magnets, these smart tips will help you make the most of Canva’s tools while protecting your business and delivering a great customer experience. Here are a few great reminders:
- Stick with Free elements (or upload your own assets) to avoid licensing issues. Even with a Pro subscription, you’re licensing-not owning-Canva’s assets. You can sell templates made with Canva elements, but you can’t trademark those designs or claim exclusive rights.
- Test all shared Canva template links in an incognito or Free Canva account.
- Include brief instructions inside your templates or offer a simple PDF how-to guide.
- Flatten your designs (export as PDFs) if your product doesn’t need to be editable.
- Pair Canva with other tools like Notion, Google Sheets, or Airtable for unique hybrid products.
Using Canva thoughtfully isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters most. These simple practices can help you stay compliant, deliver a better experience to your customers, and continue building digital products with clarity and confidence. With just a little intention, Canva can remain one of the most valuable tools in your creative business.
Refocus on What Really Matters
Here’s where the real opportunity lies. While others panic about policy changes, you can use this moment to get crystal clear on what actually drives your business success:
- Clear on your business strategy and what you want to sell.
- Clear on what kind of products you want to offer.
- Clear on how you want your customers to feel.
Now is the time to:
- Build or nurture your email list to promote your Canva digital products.
- Improve how your products are delivered and experienced
- Reinforce your brand voice and mission through your Canva designs.
- Create digital assets you fully own-and that are built on trust, not trends
Canva is still here to support that vision — and so are you. So while platforms may shift, your purpose stays the same. Focus on building what truly matters — products that serve, content that connects, and a business that reflects your values. Canva is still here to support that vision — and so are you.
Final Thoughts
The bottom line? Canva remains one of the best tools for digital product creators who want to build and scale their businesses. Yes, there have been policy updates, and yes, you need to stay informed about licensing — but that’s true for any platform you use commercially.
What hasn’t changed is Canva’s core value: it makes professional design accessible to everyone, saves you countless hours, and continues to evolve with powerful new features that help you work smarter. While others panic and abandon ship, smart creators are adapting and thriving.
Your success as a digital product seller isn’t dependent on one tool — it’s built on your creativity, strategy, and commitment to serving your audience. Canva is still here to support that vision, and frankly, it’s getting better at it every day.
Want to get your Canva templates in front of more people—without guessing what to say? Grab my free Viral Hooks & Captions Guide to attract attention and grow your visibility with ease. Grab it here
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
Do you use Canva for your digital business? Check out the amazing new tools released during Canva Create 2025
Did you find this article helpful? Share it with other digital product sellers who might be confused about the Canva template link changes.
