Even if someone builds a better mousetrap, there is always going to be someone who wants an even better mousetrap.
It’s how the world works, and frankly, it’s how we continue to innovate, so I’m not really complaining here.
My point is, Canva was invented so we wouldn’t all have to become design wizards, pouring hours into Photoshop training. It’s achieved that. But, even so, we want shortcuts for the shortcut. (There are a host of Canva keyboard shortcuts and hacks to play around with like how to add accents and more.)
The one we are specifically focusing on right now is grouping.
Now, I must say, I’m surprised to see this one hit my inbox so much, simply because “grouping” is something you can do across word processors, basic paint programs, and more.
But, I then have to remind myself, if someone is asking for it, it must not be that clear of a solution–or that there might be a better way to go about doing so than however they’re currently going about it.
How to Group in Canva
To group in Canva:
1. Select the elements from Canva you want to be grouped either by dragging your cursor or holding down the “shift” key and clicking each element.
2. Then, move your mouse to the top right of the screen and click “Group.” You can also hold “command/ctrl” and then click the letter “G.”
3. To ungroup, you perform the same actions, only this time, when your grouped item is selected, your available option will be “ungroup.” If still stuck, there is a video and detailed instruction list below.
Here is a quick video, with written explanation continuing below.
Music: https://www.bensound.com/
Simply put, if you click and drag your mouse to select multiple elements, you’ve pseudo-grouped them together for further re-arrangement. If you want to make the grouping permanent, execute the steps above.
That’s it. In doing so, the elements you’ve currently selected will now be grouped together.
Let’s see it in an example.
Say I spent hours crafting this really sweet Frankenstein-ish looking character.
Upon finishing, I realize I want to give him a bit of a facelift in order to see more of his jawline.
Unless I want to painstakingly drag every element on its own, I can group all of the elements together, and re-position them in one fell swoop.
First, select the elements you’d like to group.
Then, navigate to the top right of the screen and click “Group.”
Alternatively, you don’t have to move the mouse at all, and instead, hit “command/ctrl” + “g” to group the elements.
Now, everything is grouped together, and I can move it all as if it was one piece, rather than shift-clicking every element I wanted control of.
How to Ungroup Elements in Canva
To ungroup elements in Canva, select the elements you want ungrouped and then navigate to the top right of your canvas and select “Unroup.” Or, press “command/ctrl” + “Shift” + “G” as the shortcut.
That’s it! I don’t see any other potential hurdles, but please be sure to leave a comment or email me if you find yourself needing more out of this.
Or, just pay $5 or so for someone on Fiverr (or find someone on Upwork) to create whatever it is you need for you. I’ve definitely swallowed my pride a few times and just hired a freelancer on Fiverr for quick turnaround, and often receiving something better than I could have done myself.
Full disclosure, as an affiliate, I receive compensation if you make a purchase through these links; there’s no extra charge to you.
