Creating Printable Inserts or Instruction Sheets in Canva (Step-by-Step for Beginners)

If you’re sending out physical products, digital kits, or anything that needs a little guidance, a printable insert or instruction sheet can make a HUGE difference. These little extras can include product care tips, setup instructions, discount codes, or even a thank-you message that builds trust and adds value. And yep—you can design it all in Canva even if you’ve never used it before!

📏 Step 1: Set Up Your Document

Head to www.canva.com and log in or create a free account. From your dashboard, click the purple “Create a Design” button, then choose “Custom Size.” Most printable inserts work best as a standard letter size—so type in 8.5 x 11 inches (or 2550 x 3300 pixels) to start with a US Letter layout.

🎨 Step 2: Add Your Info

Now it’s time to fill in your content. Use the left-hand toolbar to add Text and start typing your message. This could include:

  • Instructions for using the product
  • Care tips (especially for shirts, tumblers, or handmade goods)
  • A thank you message or discount code
  • Your social media handles or contact info

You can also click the “Elements” tab to add decorative lines, icons, and borders to break up the sections and make the layout feel polished. Don’t forget to add your logo (under the “Uploads” tab) so the insert stays on-brand!

🖤 Want to Save Time? Use Diesel Designs Templates

If you don’t want to start from scratch, grab ready-made, editable templates from the Diesel Designs Editable Canva Template Drive. These include pre-sized inserts and info sheets you can drop your content into—perfect for makers, shippers, and small biz owners who need to get it done fast.

⬇️ Step 3: Download for Print

Once you’re done designing, click the “Share” button in the top right corner of Canva, then click “Download.” Choose PDF Print for the best quality, and make sure the “Crop Marks & Bleed” box is checked if you’ll be trimming by hand.

You can print your inserts at home, at a local print shop, or upload the PDF to your favorite printing service. Slip them into every order or include them in your digital product downloads for an elevated, thoughtful experience.

✨ Pro Tip

Save a blank version of your insert as a template so you can reuse it again and again! Update the message for sales, holidays, or new product launches to keep things fresh while staying on brand.

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