Canva Mobile App Tutorial: Create Custom Gradient & Rotate Direction
In this Canva mobile phone app tutorial learn the effective method to create custom gradient for thumbnail background and then rotate the gradient color to various directions and placements, such as Top, Bottom, Left, Right, and moving gradient to corners including top right, top left, bottom right and bottom left side. Also learn the Canva shape gradient method in mobile app.
Getting Started with the Canva Mobile App
To begin your design journey, open the Canva mobile app. Follow these steps to set up a new project:
Tap the large plus sign at the bottom of the screen.
Select “Custom Size” and enter a width of 1280 pixels and a height of 720 pixels—the ideal dimensions for YouTube thumbnails.
Press the “Create New Design” button.
Choosing the Right Background Color
Since we are working with a custom design, you can skip the templates. To set your background color:
Tap on the design page and select “Color” from the menu.
Choose a dark base color for your background. In my experience, a dark color is usually best for YouTube thumbnails.
Tap the plus symbol and select the “Gradient” option.
Canva will automatically assign a color for your gradient, but you can customize it to your liking, such as yellow in my example. Adjust the sliders to select a yellow shade from the palette.
Customizing Your Gradient
Once you've added your gradient, you may want to adjust how much of the canvas it covers. Here’s how to control the gradient's area:
Drag the black color button to the right side to decrease the yellow gradient area.
By tapping the ‘plus’ button, you can add more instances of the black color, which will increase its area.
Adjusting Canva Gradient Directions
Canva provides five settings to adjust the direction of your gradient. You can position it at the top, center, and left. In my video tutorial below, I have demonstrated to select the position of the gradient yellow color in the top left corner.
If you want to shift the gradient to the bottom right, simply drag the yellow gradient color tile to the far edge. To have the gradient appear in both corners, you can add another yellow gradient color and drag it accordingly.
Advanced Gradient Techniques in Canva
To explore more complex designs, you might want to create gradients in both the top right and bottom left corners. Since Canva doesn't directly allow you to rotate the base background color, you can use shapes to achieve this:
Exit back to the main screen and go to the “Elements” tab.
Select a shape and expand it to cover the entire design page.
Repeat the above mentioned process to add your custom gradient to this shape.
Rotating the Gradient
To reposition the gradient corners, hold the Rotate button and move your finger left or right. Release it at a 90-degree angle, then adjust the shape until it fits perfectly within the page canvas. You can easily adjust the gradient direction to fit your design needs.
If you only want the gradient in one corner, simply delete the unwanted gradient color tile. You can further adjust the direction of a horizontal or vertical gradient using the same element rotate arrow.
Locking Your Design
To maintain the integrity of your design, it’s advisable to lock the shape in place. This allows you to modify foreground elements without affecting the gradient background.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the Canva mobile app?
To use the Canva mobile app, download it from the App Store or Google Play, create an account, and start designing by selecting a template or creating a custom design.
How do I add a gradient in Canva on my phone?
To add a gradient in the Canva mobile app, select a design, tap on the background, choose “Color,” then select “Gradient.” Customize the gradient colors as desired.
How can I rotate a gradient background in Canva?
To rotate a gradient background in Canva, select the shape or background with the gradient, then use the Rotate button to adjust the angle of the gradient.
Can I change the direction of the Canva gradient?
Yes, you can change the Canva gradient direction to top, bottom, left, or right by selecting the gradient settings and dragging the color tiles accordingly.
How to create a top to bottom gradient in Canva?
To create a top to bottom gradient, add a gradient to your background and adjust the placement of colors so that the lighter shade is at the top and the darker shade is at the bottom.
By following this Canva mobile app tutorial, you can easily create stunning gradient backgrounds, customize their direction, and make your designs stand out. For more design tips and tutorials, consider subscribing to graphic design channels that offer valuable insights and video guides. Happy designing!
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