introduction
My blog for this week is a tutorial for Canva. It’s a open source graphical tool for everyone, especially those can’t draw and can’t use complex graphical tools. It deemed itself the “Amazingly Simple Graphic Design Software”.
supported platforms: Mac, PC, web-based
link to DH
I think it’s an effective DH tool, because it help create graphs and posters that can act as great tools for storytelling in DH projects. Also, web-based nature of Canva allows for collaboration of different people in different time and spaces, which is essential to DH projects. Canva supports the integration of multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio clips into designs. This capability is particularly useful for DH projects that incorporate multimedia content to enrich narratives and provide multiple modes of engagement for audiences.
Beginning tutorial:
step 1: login or create free account on the website; or just click begin design on bottom.

step 2: choose or search keys words to find appropriate template to begin with.

step 3: add different elements to the graph.

step 4: use drawing tools on with mouse. Layers can be adjust on upper right corner.

step 5: include text in your graph! Front, color, size can be changed using tool bar above. Pre-designed combinations can be used.

step 6: export your graph. You can export it to different formats according to your usage.

Further resources if you want to learn more about Canva:
I love Canva but I never technically learned how to use it properly, so this is a really helpful tutorial! I didn’t even know there was a draw tool! Thanks, Emma! I’m also glad you brought up the point about how the web-based nature of the website would help with collaboration.