Hey! It’s Charlotte from the customer service team 😊 One of the most common questions I get is “how do I create custom embossings?” so I’ve put together a super simple Canva tutorial to help you out!

Why Canva?

Canva is an easy-to-use online design tool that makes design accessible to everyone —no need for complex software like Illustrator! With a library full of modern fonts and illustrations, your ability to create beautiful, custom embossing designs for your clients is endless.

1) Gather Inspiration

Start by heading to Pinterest to collect inspiration for your designs and layouts. Try searching for font pairings, wedding invitations, book and album covers—anything that sparks your creativity. Once you’ve gathered ideas, return to Canva to begin designing your own unique embossing.

2) Create your first design

Open a new file in Canva with custom dimensions based on your album size (e.g. 10x10 inches).

3) Design your embossing

Now that your file is ready, it’s time to start designing! Select the Text or Elements tabs on the left-hand side of the screen. You can use Canva’s tools to build your design, or choose from their helpful text templates if you’re not sure where to begin. Important: Embossing files must be 100% black. Before exporting, ensure all text and design elements are set to black (#000000).

Creating artwork for an embossing plate — especially one used on textured materials — is different from designing for print or screen. There are some limitations to be aware of, but don’t worry, we have an in-depth guide to walk you through the details. Check out our help centre for more details.

4) Determine size

One small downside to Canva is it doesn’t show exact element dimensions — which matters as the embossing size affects the price. For a workaround: Create a new file sized to your embossing limit (e.g. 70x100, 100x70, or 160x45 for Size 3). Paste your design into it to check if it fits. If it’s too big, scale it down — then paste it back onto your album mock-up.

5) Export your design

Once you’re happy with your design, it’s time to export! In the top right-hand corner, click Share >> Download >> SVG with transparent background as your file type.

6) Upload to your order

Set up your album order in Workspace and select custom embossing as your cover type. Then include the following notes in the special instructions of your order:

• The number of embossing blocks required (e.g. 2 blocks – one on the spine, one in the bottom right-hand corner)
• The measurements of each block
• Your preferred foil colour

Rename each file with the embossing position (e.g. spineemb.svg) and upload it as a support file with your order. When your order is in production we will send a proof for you to review before the embossing plates are produced.