Today, I’ll quickly show you how to:
Both methods are free, so let’s check them out.
The simplest way to add captions to a Canva project (image or video) is to add text boxes and split into multiple clips.
However, the better alternative is to use an AI like SendShort to automatically transcribe audio and insert the subtitles as text on top of your Canva design.
You’ll have to do this for every scene/clip of your video — hence why we don’t find this method as useful as the next one.
Besides subtitles, SendShort has many other editing options, such as adding b-rolls, text, and many other elements to your Canva-edited video.
Most people prefer SendShort over Canva simply because of the AI subtitles that are over 98% accurate.
Pro Tip: You can also translate subtitles in SendShort!
These are all the steps you’ve got to take.
The best tip for text in Canva is to ensure contrast between text and background. High contrast makes text easily readable and catches the viewer’s attention instantly.
A clear contrast (like white text on a dark background or vice versa) is crucial for readability, especially for online graphics viewed on different screens and devices.
Select fonts that are easy to read, especially for longer text. Simple, sans-serif fonts like Arial or Montserrat work well for headers, while decorative fonts are better for short, impactful words or accents.
Keep learning about the best fonts for captions.
Stick to a maximum of two fonts—one for headers and another for body text—to keep your design cohesive.
Canva offers pre-made font pairings that can simplify this process.
Vary font sizes to create a visual hierarchy.
High contrast between text and background color makes text more readable.
Light text on dark backgrounds or vice versa is generally effective.
Canva’s text effects (like shadow, lift, and outline) can add depth and make text stand out. Use effects to enhance, not distract from, the main message.
To edit captions in Canva, select the text box with your caption, then use the toolbar at the top to change the font, size, color, or alignment.
You can also move, resize, or duplicate the caption box as needed.
No, Canva does not currently have a built-in feature to transcribe video to text.
To download a Canva video with captions, follow these steps:
Your video will now be downloaded with the captions integrated.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort