How to Become a Canva Creator: Application, Royalties and Tips (2026)
Free Online Selling Course, Lesson 41 · Module 7: Sell Digital Products Beyond Etsy · See all lessons
If you already design templates in Canva, you may have wondered whether you can sell them inside Canva itself instead of only on Etsy. That is what the Canva Creators program is: a marketplace where your templates or elements are used by Canva’s users, and you earn royalties.
Here is what most people miss: Canva Creators is not a store where you set prices. You apply, and if you are accepted, Canva pays you from a monthly royalty pool based on how often your work is used. Canva says the exact monthly numbers are confidential, so nobody can honestly promise you a figure per template. Selling your own Canva templates on Etsy is a different model where you set the price.
This lesson explains the three types of Canva Creators, how to apply, how royalties work, and how it compares with selling Canva templates on Etsy. Everything comes from Canva’s Help Center and Creators pages, checked in October 2026.
How Do You Become a Canva Creator?
Pick the type of Creator you want to be. Template Creators apply by sharing a design portfolio through Canva’s application form; the program is in beta and Canva says a reply can take up to a couple of months. Element Creator signups are currently on hold. Education Specialty Creators must be verified professionals and apply through Canva’s Education Creator page. Once accepted, you publish templates or elements to the marketplace and earn royalties based on how often they are used.
The 3 Types of Canva Creators
| Type | Who it is for | How to join (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Template Creator | Mainly graphic designers | Apply with a portfolio; program in beta, replies can take up to a couple of months |
| Element Creator | Photographers, illustrators, typographers, videographers, audio producers | Signups currently on hold |
| Specialty Creator (for example Education) | Experts in a niche, such as teachers | Must be verified professionals; apply through the Education Creator page |
What you create:
- Templates: customizable layouts for presentations, social media graphics, videos, t-shirts, brochures, flyers, posters, and more.
- Elements: photos, graphics and illustrations, video clips, music and sound effects, vector art, icons, stickers, and more.
How Canva Creators Get Paid
According to Canva’s Help Center:
- You earn royalties based on your content’s performance.
- Templates: your share of the royalty pool depends on how many template usages you have, meaning each time a design using it is downloaded, printed, or presented. Canva says creators are paid for both Free and Pro template usage.
- Elements: your share depends on how many Pro element usages (exports) you have.
- The royalty pool grows with Canva’s subscription revenue and is calculated every month. Canva says the exact monthly numbers are confidential.
Canva also says over 85 million Canva users across 190 countries can use the templates and elements Creators publish.
How to Apply as a Template Creator Step by Step
- Build a portfolio of your best Canva templates. Choose original designs in a range of formats, such as social posts, presentations, and flyers.
- Design in your own style and language. Canva says it encourages Creators to design in their language, include their culture, and represent their country.
- Go to the Canva Template Creators page and sign up to the Canva Creators program, choosing Templates.
- Share your portfolio through the application form.
- Wait for a reply. Canva says the Template Creator program is in beta and it may take up to a couple of months to hear back.
- If accepted, follow the Review Guidelines. Canva says every submission is reviewed and must meet baseline requirements. You get the guidelines after acceptance.
Check your readiness: our free Canva Creator checklist tells you which route fits you and what to prepare before you apply.
Canva Creators vs Selling Canva Templates on Etsy
| Canva Creators | Your own Etsy shop | |
|---|---|---|
| Joining | Apply; review and acceptance | Open to anyone |
| Pricing | No prices; royalties from a monthly pool | You set your own price |
| How you earn | Usage of your templates or elements | Each sale |
| Buyers | Canva’s users inside Canva | Etsy shoppers |
| Delivery | Published in Canva’s library | Template link in a PDF |
Many designers do both: they apply to Canva Creators and also sell premium template bundles on Etsy. Make sure each design follows the right rules for where you sell it. For Etsy, see how to sell canva templates on etsy and canva commercial use.
Tips Before You Apply
- Show your best work only. A smaller, strong portfolio beats lots of average designs.
- Show range. Include different formats your designs work in.
- Make it original. Do not copy other templates.
- Design for real uses. Think about what people actually make in Canva, like social posts, presentations, invitations, and flyers.
- Be patient. Replies can take up to a couple of months.
Common Mistakes
Expecting a price per template. Canva Creators earn royalties from usage, not sales.
Trusting earnings claims. Canva keeps monthly royalty pool numbers confidential, so treat any exact per-template figures you see online with caution.
Applying as an Element Creator right now. Canva says those signups are on hold.
Weak or unoriginal portfolio. Every application and submission is reviewed.
Key Takeaways
- Canva Creators has three types: Template, Element, and Specialty Creators.
- Template Creators apply with a portfolio; the program is in beta and replies can take up to a couple of months.
- Element Creator signups are currently on hold.
- Creators earn royalties from a monthly pool based on usage; templates earn on both Free and Pro usage.
- Selling Canva templates on Etsy lets you set your own prices instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Canva Creators earn?
Canva pays royalties from a monthly pool that grows with its subscription revenue. Your share depends on how often your templates or Pro elements are used. Canva says the exact monthly numbers are confidential.
Can anyone become a Canva Creator?
Not automatically. Template Creators must apply with a portfolio and be accepted. Element Creator signups are on hold, and Education Specialty Creators must be verified professionals.
Do Canva Creators get paid for free templates?
Yes. Canva says Template Creators are paid for both Free and Pro template usage.
How long does Canva take to review a Template Creator application?
Canva says the Template Creator program is in beta and it may take up to a couple of months to get an answer.
Is it better to sell Canva templates on Etsy or be a Canva Creator?
They are different models. Etsy lets you set prices and earn per sale; Canva Creators pays royalties based on usage. Many designers do both.
Final Thoughts
Canva Creators can be a great way to reach millions of Canva users and earn royalties while you sleep, but you need a strong portfolio and patience. Apply with your best original templates, and keep selling on Etsy if you want control over your prices.
Next, see how to sell on teachers pay teachers, or explore the free online selling course.
You finished: Free Online Selling Course, Lesson 41
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