A Step-by-Step Guide to Copying a Shared Canva Template Without Changing the Shared File

I love you all… You know that, right? So, hear me out when I say this is meant to be taken positively and with all my love and understanding.

For the love of all that is holy, you guys must start making COPIES of the Patreon Tier 1 Templates.


I keep deleting your beautiful work because you have saved it as the original template instead of making your own copy. Though I send the instructions in the welcome email, I understand that Canva can be a daunting program to use 🙂 So, I have written a step-by-step guide on Copying and Saving your own version of my Patreon Templates to help you all understand what to do (it is so much easier than making many versions because yours keep getting deleted). 

Introduction: Understanding the Importance of Copying a Shared Canva Template

Canva template, shared file, design collaboration, copy without changing, design workflow

Effective design collaboration is key to streamlining workflows and maximizing productivity in today’s fast-paced digital world. It is the main reason I created my Patreon. I saw a severe lack of quality graphics on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. And the high-quality ones I did see were often very expensive to obtain and took weeks, or sometimes months, to receive from designers. Authors needed an option that was affordable, quick, and easy to use. This is how my Patreon templates were created and why I chose Canva as one of my delivery methods. While I use Photoshop and Illustrator for most of my work, I could see the importance of utilizing a tool like Canva to seamlessly collaborate with my clients regularly.

Copying a shared Canva template without altering its original design ensures that everyone involved in the project maintains a uniform visual identity.

One feature that stands out in Canva is sharing templates with team members or collaborators (that’s you guys!). This allows for seamless collaboration and ensures consistency in design across various projects (important for your branding). When working with shared Canva templates created by DAZED, it is important to understand the significance of copying the template without making any changes. I design the templates to meet the tested standards of advertising on social media. So, please, leave them as they are so everyone can enjoy the benefits. 

Copying a shared Canva template without altering its original design ensures that everyone involved in the project maintains a uniform visual identity. By adhering to the shared template, you guys can effortlessly integrate your contributions while preserving the overall aesthetic and brand guidelines that work on Social Media to increase your organic engagement.

Furthermore, copying a shared Canva template promotes efficiency within the design workflow. Authors can quickly build upon an existing foundation, saving valuable time and effort. This collaborative approach fosters creativity and encourages Patreon members to focus on refining ideas rather than reinventing the wheel.

Step 1: Open the Shared Canva Template in Your Account

Canva account, shared template access, open shared file, design collaboration

To begin the collaborative design process, the first step is to open the shared Canva template in your Canva account. I provide the Canva links in my Google Sheet that all new members are given access to. 

I have a master list that contains all of my Canva Template Links.

Having a Canva account is essential for accessing and utilizing shared templates. If you don’t have one already, creating an account on the Canva website or app is quick and easy. Once logged in, you can access a wide range of professional-grade design tools and resources.

Next, locate the shared template that has been made available to you. Whether through a direct link or a colleague or client invitation, opening the shared file is as simple as clicking on it. This will bring you directly into the collaborative workspace where creativity can flourish. I have a master list that contains all of my Canva Template Links. Can all Patreon members contact me today to ask about the master list if you don’t know what I am referring to?

By opening the shared Canva template in your account, you are taking an important step towards effective design collaboration.

By opening the shared Canva template in your account, you are taking an important step towards effective design collaboration. From here, you can edit, add content, and work alongside others to bring your vision to life. Embrace this opportunity to streamline your design process and unlock unparalleled creative potential with Canva’s collaborative features.

Step 2: Make a Duplicate of the Shared Template

Duplicate the template, copy without changing the original file, and create a duplicate design.

To preserve the integrity of the original template while making changes, it is essential to make a duplicate copy. This step ensures you have a separate version to work with, allowing you to experiment and modify without altering the original file.

Creating a duplicate design is a straightforward process. By making a copy of the shared template, you can maintain the structure and formatting of the original while having complete freedom to customize and adapt it according to your specific needs.

This approach offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it allows for collaboration without the risk of accidentally overwriting or deleting important information in the shared template. Secondly, it enables multiple team members or stakeholders to work concurrently on different design versions, fostering efficiency and productivity.

By following this step and creating a duplicate of the shared template, you can confidently explore new ideas and tailor your design without compromising the integrity of the original file.

Duplicating designs

You can duplicate or make copies of your designs from the editor or Projects.

Duplicating designs from the editor

On the Computer

1. Open the design you want to duplicate.
2. Click file from the status bar above the editor.
3. Click Make a copy. The duplicated design will open in a new tab.

From Your Mobile

1. Open the design you want to duplicate.
2. Tap the More icon from the toolbar above the editor.
3. Scroll down and tap Make a copy. You’ll be redirected to the duplicated design.

Duplicating designs from the “Projects” tab

On the Computer

1. Click Projects from the homepage side panel and look for the design you want to duplicate.
2. Hover your cursor over the design you want to duplicate.
3. Click the More icon that appears on the design thumbnail.
4. Click Make a copy. The duplicated design will appear on the same page or folder.

From Your Mobile

1. From the home screen, tap Projects and look for the design you want to duplicate.
2. Tap the More icon on the thumbnail of the design you want to duplicate.
3. Tap Make a copy. The duplicated design will appear in the same tab or folder.

Step 3: Rename and Organize Your Copied Template

Rename copied templates, organize designs in your account, and maintain clarity and orderliness.

To maintain clarity and orderliness in your design account, it is essential to rename and organize your copied templates effectively. This step helps you easily locate and access specific designs and ensures that your design library remains well-structured.

Start by giving each copied template a meaningful and descriptive name accurately representing its content or purpose. Avoid generic or vague names that may lead to confusion later on. By providing clear names, you can quickly identify the template you need when browsing your design collection.

Additionally, organizing your designs into relevant folders or categories can further enhance the organization of your account. Create folders based on themes, projects, or any other classification system that makes sense for your workflow. This way, you can easily navigate through different sections of your design library without any hassle.

Remember, maintaining a systematic approach to renaming and organizing copied templates saves time and enhances productivity by allowing you to find and utilize designs efficiently.

Step 4: Customize and Edit Your Copied Template to Fit Your Needs

Edit copied templates, personalize design elements, and make necessary modifications for your project.

To make the most out of a copied template, it is important to customize and edit it to fit your specific needs. This step allows you to personalize the design elements and make necessary modifications for your project.

When editing a copied template, consider the overall look and feel that you want to achieve. You can modify colors, fonts, and layouts to align with your brand or project requirements. By making these adjustments, you can ensure that the final result is unique and tailored to your specific needs.

Additionally, take the time to review the content of the template. Edit any pre-existing text or placeholders with your information, ensuring it accurately reflects your message or purpose. This will help create a cohesive and professional end product.

Remember, customization is key when using a copied template. By taking the time to personalize design elements and make necessary modifications, you can ensure that the outcome meets your expectations and effectively communicates your intended message.

Step 5: Save and Export Your Customized Design as a New File

Save the customized design as a new file, and export the final version for further use or sharing with others.

Once you have perfectly customized your design, it’s time to save and export it as a new file. This step ensures that you can easily access and use your design in the future, whether for personal or professional purposes.

Saving your customized design as a new file allows you to preserve all your changes and modifications. This way, you can revisit and edit your design later without losing any of your hard work. It also allows you to make further adjustments or improvements if needed.

Exporting your final version is crucial for sharing your design with others or utilizing it in different mediums. Whether you want to showcase it on social media platforms, print it for physical display, or use it in a presentation, exporting ensures compatibility across various formats.

By saving and exporting your customized design as a new file, you take control of its future usability. You can confidently share it with colleagues, clients, or friends, knowing they can view and utilize the design exactly as intended. So don’t forget this important step to ensure the longevity and accessibility of your creative masterpiece.

Conclusion: Enjoy Seamless Collaboration by Copying Canva Templates Without Changing the Original File

In conclusion, the ability to copy Canva templates without changing the original file offers a seamless collaboration experience for users. Allowing multiple individuals to work on the same template simultaneously promotes efficiency and productivity in team projects.

This feature allows teams to easily share and duplicate templates without worrying about permanently changing the original design. This saves time and ensures consistency across different iterations of a project.

Furthermore, this functionality encourages creativity and experimentation within a team. Users can explore various design options by copying and modifying templates without affecting the original file. This fosters innovation and enables teams to create visually stunning designs that meet their needs.

Overall, the ability to copy Canva templates without changing the original file enhances collaboration among team members. It empowers individuals to work together seamlessly, share ideas effortlessly, and produce high-quality designs efficiently. With this feature, Canva continues to be a valuable tool for professionals in various industries who rely on collaborative design processes.

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