How to Create a Video with Text in Canva: A Comprehensive Guide

Created on 10 October, 2024 | info | 134 views | 5 minutes read

Creating videos with text overlays can add a dynamic and engaging element to your content, whether it's for social media, presentations, or marketing.

Canva, a popular design tool, has made it incredibly easy to add text to videos, even for beginners. In this blog, we'll walk you through the steps of creating a video with text in Canva, along with tips on enhancing your design for maximum impact.

Why Use Canva for Video Creation?

Canva is known for its ease of use, offering a wide range of templates and features that make video editing accessible to everyone. Here are some reasons why Canva stands out for video creation:

1. User-Friendly Interface: You don’t need advanced video editing skills to use Canva. The platform's drag-and-drop functionality simplifies the process.
2. Wide Variety of Templates: Canva offers pre-designed video templates for various purposes—social media posts, presentations, advertisements, and more.
3. Customization Options: From fonts and colors to transitions and animations, you can easily customize every element of your video.
4. Integrated Media Library: Canva has an extensive library of stock videos, images, and music, which can enhance your project without requiring external resources.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Video with Text in Canva

1. Sign in to Canva

First, log in to your Canva account. If you don’t have one, signing up is free and quick. Canva is available on both desktop and mobile platforms, making it easy to create videos on the go.

2. Choose a Video Template or Start from Scratch

Once logged in, navigate to the home page, where you can search for "Video" in the search bar. You’ll find a variety of video templates that cater to different formats like Instagram Stories, YouTube intros, or Facebook ads. If you prefer more control over your design, you can start with a blank canvas by selecting the "Custom size" option and entering your preferred dimensions.

3. Upload Your Video Footage

If you’re working with pre-recorded video content, upload it to Canva by clicking on the “Uploads” tab on the left-hand panel. Simply drag and drop your video into the project space or click the “Upload media” button. Canva supports a wide range of video formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI.

4. Drag Your Video to the Timeline

After uploading, your video will appear on the Canva editor. You can drag the video file onto your canvas or directly onto the timeline at the bottom of the screen. The timeline is where you’ll manage the length of your clips and control where text and other elements appear in the video.

5. Adding Text to Your Video

Now, to add text, click on the “Text” option in the left-hand toolbar. Canva offers a variety of text formats, including simple headings or pre-designed text combinations that already come with effects like shadows or animations. Choose the one that fits your aesthetic, then drag it onto your video canvas.

6. Customize Your Text

Once your text is placed on the video, it’s time to customize it:

• Change Font: Canva offers hundreds of fonts to choose from, ranging from classic to modern. Select a font that aligns with your video’s tone.
• Adjust Size: Resize the text by dragging the corners of the text box or inputting specific values for size in the toolbar.
• Change Color: To make your text stand out, pick a color that contrasts well with the video background.
• Positioning: Drag your text box to position it where you want it on the video. Canva also provides alignment guides to help center your text or align it with other elements.

7. Add Animation to Your Text

To make your text more dynamic, Canva offers several animation options. Click on the text box, and select “Animate” from the top toolbar. You’ll see different animation styles like “Fade,” “Pop,” “Slide,” and more. These animations can add life to your video by making the text appear or disappear smoothly.

8. Enhance Your Video with Additional Elements

Canva allows you to incorporate various design elements into your video to enrich its visual appeal:

• Graphics and Icons: Use Canva’s library of graphics and icons to add shapes, logos, or illustrations.
• Images: Add still images as overlays or backgrounds in your video.
• Music and Sound Effects: Audio can significantly enhance your video. Click on the “Audio” tab to explore Canva’s selection of free music tracks and sound effects, or upload your own.

9. Preview Your Video

Once you’re satisfied with the text and other elements, it’s essential to preview your video to ensure everything is synchronized perfectly. Click the play button on the timeline to see how your text interacts with the video and adjust the timing if needed.

10. Download and Share Your Video

When you’re ready to share your creation, click the “Share” button at the top right corner. Canva allows you to download the video in various formats, including MP4, or you can directly share it to social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Select your preferred resolution, keeping in mind that higher resolutions are best for professional use, while lower resolutions may work better for quick social media posts.

Pro Tips for Adding Text to Videos in Canva

• Keep It Simple: Avoid overcrowding your video with text. Choose short, impactful messages that are easy to read within a few seconds.
• Use Contrasting Colors: Always ensure your text is legible by using colors that stand out against the video background.
• Font Pairing: When using multiple fonts, make sure they complement each other. Canva’s suggested font pairings can help maintain a cohesive design.
• Stay on Brand: If you’re creating a video for business purposes, stick to your brand’s font, colors, and logo for consistency across all platforms.
• Test Different Animations: Experiment with various animation effects to make your text stand out, but avoid overdoing it—too many animations can distract from your message.

Conclusion

Creating videos with text in Canva is a straightforward yet powerful way to deliver your message visually. With its simple drag-and-drop interface and extensive customization options, even beginners can produce professional-looking videos with ease. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can start creating your own video content with eye-catching text that enhances the storytelling. Whether it’s for social media, marketing, or personal projects, Canva makes video editing both fun and effective.

Now that you know how to create videos with text in Canva, it’s time to get creative and start producing engaging content!