Design Tips

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

Matt
Matt
8 min read

TL;DR - Quick Answer

7 min read

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How to Curve Text in Canva

Quick Answer

To curve text in Canva:

  1. Add text to your design
  2. Click "Effects" in toolbar
  3. Select "Curve"
  4. Drag slider left (concave ⌒) or right (convex ⌣)

This works in both Canva Free and Pro.

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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)
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

What curve value should you use for top text in a circular badge logo?

💡
Hint: Remember: Negative values = concave (arch up), Positive values = convex (arch down)

Creating Circular Logos

For circular badge designs:

  1. Add circle element (Elements → search "circle")
  2. Add top text above circle, apply curve: -75 to -85
  3. Add bottom text below circle, apply curve: +75 to +85
  4. Center align both using Position → Center
  5. 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
Quick Knowledge Check
Test your understanding

Which font type works BEST for curved text in Canva?

💡
Hint: Pro tip: Test your curved text at thumbnail size - if you can't read it small, choose a bolder font!

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 CaseCurve ValueDirection
Professional header15-25Either
Social media post35-55Concave
Logo top text-70 to -85Concave
Logo bottom text+70 to +85Convex
Circular badge-90 to -100Both

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.


Related: Best Content Creation Apps · Instagram Story Dimensions

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