You know when kids do something wrong, repeatedly, and then you choose that one that to really get upset about, just to make an example? If you stacked up everything you could have gotten mad at, the one thing that really got you to move probably wasn’t up there in the grand scheme of things, but makes the best learning experience.
That’s how I feel with this post. No, I’m not mad any anyone; nobody is doing anything “wrong.” But my point is, I do a lot of research; I read a lot of YouTube comments; I see the questions people ask on Facebook. With Canva, specifically, the good majority of them could be solved easily, with a template. The others could be solved just as easily, but require a bit more creativity.
For instance, today’s example: how to make a checklist in Canva. Now, you’re here reading this and that’s OK! I sometimes forget that even though Canva is something I’ve been using for years, it’s still new to a lot of people. I also forget that while Canva is so, so easy to work with, it can still be difficult for someone who has never worked with it or a tool like it.
(Could have easily said the same thing about creating a table in Canva—it doesn’t take much!)
So again, I’m choosing this to make an example. To let you know that there are so many pre-made templates in Canva, that oftentimes, and depending on what you plan to do with that design (check licensing) you really don’t have to do much to find what you need for the task at hand.
With that, if you want to make a checklist in Canva, first check out the many templates just sitting there waiting for you:
Yes, that’s it. You don’t need to learn how to create a checklist if you don’t have the time or the need. You can choose from any of the many pre-existing checklists, which are fully editable, and then tinker away as much as you need.
Now, if not any of those satisfy your needs, and you truly do want to make a checklist on your own, the better news is that doing so is easy, and only requires your checklist square boxes, and some text; and then any other extras you want to include.
How to Make a Checklist in Canva
1. Make a Checkbox
Yes, this will be your checklist box. You can grab the filled square shape, or the transparent. You can also grab circles, baseballs, or whatever other shape you think might fit your theme.
2. Add Your Text
Next, it’s time to add text. Click “text” on the left and then click any of the three options. It really doesn’t matter, as you can style all text formats the same.
Use this text to type out your checklist items.
3. Copy Box and Text
Now, select both the checkbox and the text and then copy and paste them both. You’ll now have two checklist items, but both are the same, so edit the text as well. You’ll keep copying and pasting until you have all of the items you need.
4. Add Extras
Really, that’s it! You can now spend time to add extras, like a title, a sport for notes, graphics, etc. In this example, which probably took all of 4 minutes, I added a title, a notes section, and then areas for a signature and date, if you are in fact creating a chores checklist and want to keep kids accountable.
Quick video walkthrough below, and please let me know if you run into issues. Thanks!
