How to Curve Text in Canva (Free + Pro Methods)

TL;DR - Quick Answer
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How to Curve Text in Canva
Quick Answer
To curve text in Canva:
- Add text to your design
- Click "Effects" in toolbar
- Select "Curve"
- Drag slider left (concave ⌒) or right (convex ⌣)
This works in both Canva Free and Pro.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Add Your Text
- Open Canva and create a design
- Click "Text" → Add text box
- Type your text
2. Apply Curve Effect
- Select your text
- Click "Effects" in the top toolbar
- Choose "Curve" from the effects menu
3. Adjust Curve Intensity
- Drag left (-100 to 0): Creates upward curve ⌒
- Drag right (0 to +100): Creates downward curve ⌣
Recommended values:
- Subtle curve: 15-30 (professional headers)
- Medium curve: 40-60 (social media graphics)
- Strong curve: 70-100 (circular logos/badges)
What curve value should you use for top text in a circular badge logo?
Creating Circular Logos
For circular badge designs:
- Add circle element (Elements → search "circle")
- Add top text above circle, apply curve: -75 to -85
- Add bottom text below circle, apply curve: +75 to +85
- Center align both using Position → Center
- Add logo/icon in the middle
Best Fonts for Curved Text
Works best:
- Montserrat
- Poppins
- Bebas Neue
- Open Sans
- Bold fonts (700+ weight)
Avoid:
- Script/handwriting fonts
- Very thin fonts
- Decorative fonts
Which font type works BEST for curved text in Canva?
Common Mistakes
Over-curving: Keep long text under 60 intensity. Single words can go up to 100.
Poor font choice: Avoid script fonts with curves. Use clean sans-serifs.
Mismatched curves: If top text is -75, bottom should be +75 (same magnitude).
Low contrast: Curved text needs high contrast. Add outline or shadow if needed.
Quick Reference
Use Case | Curve Value | Direction |
---|---|---|
Professional header | 15-25 | Either |
Social media post | 35-55 | Concave |
Logo top text | -70 to -85 | Concave |
Logo bottom text | +70 to +85 | Convex |
Circular badge | -90 to -100 | Both |
Troubleshooting
Curved text looks blurry?
- Increase design size (2000px+ width)
- Make text larger before curving
- Export as PNG (not JPG)
Can't find Curve effect?
- Make sure text is selected
- Click directly on text box
- Update Canva if needed
Text too hard to read?
- Reduce curve intensity
- Use bolder font
- Shorten text
- Add outline/shadow
FAQ
Can you curve text in Canva for free?
Yes! The curve text effect is available in both Canva Free and Canva Pro. Simply add text, click "Effects" in the toolbar, select "Curve", and adjust the slider.
What fonts work best for curved text in Canva?
Sans-serif fonts work best: Montserrat, Poppins, Raleway, Open Sans, and Bebas Neue. Bold fonts curve better than thin ones. Avoid script fonts and handwriting fonts.
How do I make a curved logo in Canva?
Add a circle element, then add top text with -75 to -85 curve and bottom text with +75 to +85 curve. Place your icon in the center and use alignment tools to center everything.
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