How to Make Your Canva Designs Look Less Like a Template

Templates are wonderful, but if your post looks like a hundred other posts, people scroll past. The difference between “I used a template” and “I designed this” is usually five small changes.

1. Choose a simple template to start

Choose layouts with fewer decorative elements. They are easier to adapt than designs covered in shapes. A strong layout with a clear hierarchy is better than a flashy one you can’t change.

2. Change the fonts

Template fonts are often overused. Replace them with a pair that suits your brand. This single change is usually the biggest.

3. Change the colours

Swap the template’s colours for your own palette. Use the colour picker for exact matches. If your designs always use the same colours, people begin to recognise your brand.

4. Use your own photos

Stock images are easy to spot. Even a good phone photo of your product, your workspace or your team is more believable. If you do use stock, crop it in an unusual way or add a colour overlay so it feels yours.

5. Move things around

Don’t keep the template’s layout. Try:

Shifting the heading to a different position.
Making the main image larger.
Removing at least one decorative element.
Changing the alignment from centred to left.

6. Add white space

Delete clutter. Gaps between elements help your message breathe and look more premium.

7. Keep a consistent style

Create a small set of your own layouts: one for quotes, one for offers, one for tips. Use them repeatedly. That consistency is what makes a page feel designed.

8. Add one signature detail

A small recurring element, such as a coloured bar, a shape or a logo position, becomes your signature. People then recognise your posts even before reading the name.

What not to do

Don’t leave template placeholder text or fonts.
Don’t use many templates from many different creators for the same account; the styles clash.
Don’t copy another brand’s identity.
Don’t ignore the template licence. Read Canva’s rules if you plan to reuse or sell the result. See Can you sell Canva templates?.

Build your own templates

Once you have a layout you like, save it as your own template in your account and reuse it. We explain this in how to create reusable templates.

A before-and-after exercise

Pick a template, make a copy, and apply the changes above in order. Screenshot before and after. You will clearly see how each step changes the feel.

Learn the principles

Personalising a template needs a trained eye for balance, spacing and contrast. That’s a core part of our live Canva training, where we turn standard templates into brand-ready designs in class.

Quick answers

Is it okay to use Canva templates?

Yes, templates are meant to be used. The goal is to customise them with your fonts, colours, images and layout so they feel like your brand.

How do I make a template design unique?

Change the fonts and colours first, replace stock photos with your own, remove decorative extras and add one recurring brand detail.

Can two people end up with the same design?

If both use the same template with few changes, yes. That is why personalising matters.