Create Custom Course Workbooks with Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide

Designing a workbook for your online course is like giving your students a special VIP pass to your content! It’s a tangible, interactive tool that turns learning into a fun, hands-on experience. 

And guess what? Canva and I are here to be your BFF in this creative adventure.

In today’s blog post we will craft a course workbook that’s not just eye-catching but also a true reflection of your unique brand.

Let’s make your workbook a standout piece that your students will actually look forward to using!

Need Help Designing Your Workbook?

What You Get:

• Beautifully designed workbooks that complement your lessons.
• Custom templates your students can use for tasks and exercises.
• Checklists that guide students through your material.
• A fully branded experience with your colors, fonts, and style.

Ready to elevate your course? Get your free custom quote by clicking here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu3rWN5BCqU

Step 1: Get Inspired Using Etsy, Pinterest, and Canva

Before you even start designing, gather some inspiration! I always suggest taking a look at Etsy and Pinterest for beautifully designed workbooks that can give you ideas on layout, structure, and design. 

Even within Canva itself, you can find tons of templates to get your creative juices flowing. The goal here is to see what’s out there and figure out what style resonates most with your brand.

Step 2: Add Your Colors, Logos, and Fonts

If you don’t already know how to add your brand colors, logos, and fonts to Canva, now’s the time to learn! If you have a paid account, Canva makes this super easy with its “Brand Kit” feature. 

You can upload your logo, add your brand colors, and select your fonts, so everything is easily accessible while designing. If you don’t have a paid account, no worries, just manually add these elements as you go.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to Canva’s homepage and click on “Brand Kit” under the Tools section (for Pro users).
2. Add your brand’s color palette by selecting the color blocks.
3. Upload your logo and fonts (if you have custom ones) or pick from Canva’s selection.

Step 3: Start from Scratch or Use a Template

There are two ways to begin creating your workbook: starting from scratch or choosing a pre-made template. 

I always recommend choosing a template first, even if you plan to change most of it. Starting with something already designed saves you time and gives you a framework to work with. You can search for templates in Canva by typing “workbook” or “worksheet” into the search bar.

Don’t be afraid to switch things up! I often end up changing tons of details in the templates, but it helps to have a starting point.

Step 4: Changing the Branding of Your Workbook

Once you’ve chosen your template, it’s time to change up the branding. Go ahead and replace the template’s default colors, fonts, and logos with your own. 

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Colors: Click on any element in the template, then use the color picker at the top to swap it with your brand colors.
2. Fonts: Click on the text, and in the toolbar, choose your brand fonts or pick from Canva’s library if you don’t have custom ones.
3. Logos: Simply drag and drop your logo onto the page and place it wherever it looks best.

For a quicker method, go to Canva’s “Brand” section, click on your color palette, and use the “shuffle” option to explore different color combinations. Add your logo, and you’re good to go!

This way, everything will be on-brand, and your workbook will match your overall course aesthetic.

Step 5: Start Designing!

Now for the fun part—designing your workbook! Here are some basic design tips to keep in mind:

1. White Space is Your Friend

Don’t be afraid of blank space! You don’t need to pack your pages with text and images. Leaving some breathing room (aka white space) makes everything easier to read and keeps things looking clean. Plus, it gives your students’ eyes a break!

2. Consistent Layouts

Imagine flipping through a workbook where every page has a different layout, confusing right? Stick to a simple structure that you repeat throughout. It keeps things organized and helps your students follow along without getting lost in the shuffle.

3. Highlight Key Points

Make the important stuff pop! Whether you’re bolding key terms, adding a splash of color, or tossing in an icon here and there, highlighting essential info makes sure it doesn’t get overlooked. Think of it like adding a highlighter to your best ideas. Instant attention grabber!

4. Balance Text and Graphics

We love visuals, but too many can be overwhelming. Strike a balance between your text and graphics. Every image or icon should add value to the page not just take up space. Keep things visually interesting, but make sure it all has a purpose.

5. Readable Fonts and Sizes

Fancy fonts are fun, but save them for the headings! For the body text, stick with something simple and readable. You want your students to actually enjoy reading your workbook, not squinting at it. And don’t forget about font size, make sure it’s big enough to read comfortably.

Step 5: Adding Images and Icons

Images and icons are great ways to break up text and keep your students engaged. In Canva, you can easily add both:

• Images: Click on “Photos” on the left sidebar, search for relevant images, and drag them onto your page.
• Icons: Use “Elements” to search for icons that match your topic. You can add visual flair while also making the workbook more user-friendly.

Step 6: Keep Your Inspiration Close

While designing, keep your inspiration nearby. If you found a workbook design you love on Etsy or Pinterest, keep the tabs open so you can refer back to them. Recreating a design in Canva is fairly easy if you have a clear reference, and it helps you stay focused on the look and feel you want to achieve.

Why? Because recreating a design in Canva is so much easier when you’ve got a clear vision in front of you. Plus, it keeps you focused on the vibe you’re going for. Instead of drifting off into endless design tweaks (we’ve all been there), you’ve got your trusty reference to remind you of what you loved in the first place.

And remember: You’re not copying, you’re inspired. You’re bringing your own flavor to the design. So, embrace your references, but don’t be afraid to add your own personality and brand flair to make the final result truly yours!

Step 7: Add Boxes or Lines for Your Students

Let’s make your workbook interactive and engaging! It’s time to add spaces where your students can jot down their thoughts, answer questions, or take notes. Here’s how to add those essential text boxes or lines:

1. Add Interactive Elements

Head over to the “Elements” tab in Canva and search for “line” or “box.” You’ll find a variety of styles that you can drag and drop onto your pages. These elements are perfect for creating areas where students can write or type their responses.

2. Placement is Key

Think about where you want these interactive spaces to appear. Place lines under questions or boxes beside prompts so students know exactly where to fill in their answers. You might want to align them neatly for a clean look or play around with their placement for a more dynamic feel.

3. Customize for Clarity

Customize the boxes and lines to fit your design. Adjust their size, color, and style to match the rest of your workbook’s aesthetic. A well-placed, visually appealing box or line not only looks good but also guides students effortlessly to the interactive parts of the workbook.

4. Encourage Engagement

Make these spaces inviting! Use subtle colors or fun icons to draw attention to where students need to engage. Maybe add a little instruction or hint above the line or box to prompt them on what to write or think about.

5. Test Your Design

Before finalizing, preview your workbook to ensure that all the interactive elements are easy to find and use. Imagine yourself as a student interacting with the workbook—are the spaces intuitive and useful?

Step 8: Set Up Your Sections

Your workbook should follow the structure of your course. Break it down by section, chapter, or module to ensure that it aligns with the course flow. 

For each section, you can include:

• Introduction: A short summary of what this section covers.
• Key Takeaways: Highlight the most important points.
• Interactive Tasks: Add areas for notes, questions, or exercises to keep students involved.

This structure makes it easy for students to follow along and enhances their learning experience!

Step 9: Add Space for Notes and Reflections

A good workbook has plenty of space for students to reflect and write. Whether it’s blank lines or boxes for notes, quizzes, or actionable steps, this added space allows students to engage with the material in a personal way. Use Canva’s line or text box elements to create spaces for these notes throughout the workbook.

Step 10: Design the Workbook Cover

The cover is like the grand entrance to your workbook—it’s your chance to make an unforgettable first impression! Let’s dive into designing a cover that not only looks fantastic but also makes your students excited to dive in.

Why Save the Cover for Last?

I’ve left designing the cover for the end because I like to get a feel for the entire workbook first. It helps you match the cover to the workbook’s overall vibe. 

Once you know how the workbook flows and feels, you can create a cover that truly reflects its essence and gets your students pumped up to dive in!

1. Make a Statement

Your workbook cover is the first thing your students will see, so make it pop! Think of it as your workbook’s red carpet moment. Canva has a treasure trove of cover templates, so you’re already halfway there. 

To find them just search for “workbook cover” in Canva’s template library.

2. Pick a Design That Speaks to You

Browse through the designs and choose one that feels right for you and your brand. Whether it’s sleek and professional or bright and fun, pick a style that captures the essence of your workbook and resonates with your target audience.

3. Customize It

Now it’s time to add your personal touch! Pop your title front and center so it’s the star of the show. Include your logo to add a splash of brand recognition. Don’t forget to use your brand colors to create a cohesive look that ties everything together.

4. Add the Finishing Touches

Go beyond the basics, add a subtitle, a catchy tagline, or even a fun graphic element that hints at what’s inside. Make sure the cover gives a sneak peek into the workbook’s personality. Is it playful? Professional? Inspirational? Let that shine through!

6. Get Inspired

If you’re feeling a little stuck, head over to Etsy or Pinterest for some extra inspiration. See how others are designing their covers and borrow ideas that fit your style. Just remember, your cover should be uniquely yours, even if you’re taking a few cues from the pros!

Step 11: Download and Make It Fillable

Once you’re happy with your design, download it as a PDF. 

But we’re not done yet! To make the PDF fillable for your students, you can use a free tool called Sejda. Here’s how to do it:

1. Visit Sejda.com.
2. Upload your PDF.
3. Use the “Forms” option to add checkboxes, text fields, and links. This makes it easy for students to type directly into the PDF.

I’ve even created a video tutorial on how to use Sejda to make your PDF fillable. Check it out here.

If designing isn’t your thing or you want something extra special, I can help! I offer custom workbook designs that are fully aligned with your brand, giving your students a seamless and professional learning experience.

What You Get:

• Beautifully designed workbooks that complement your lessons.
• Custom templates your students can use for tasks and exercises.
• Checklists that guide students through your material.
• A fully branded experience with your colors, fonts, and style.

Ready to elevate your course? Get your free custom quote by clicking here!