Let’s be real. We all love photos. We snap them on our phones, save them on our cloud, and share them on socials, but what if you could actually hold one in your hand? Or better, stick it on your fridge?

That’s where photo magnets come in. And guess what? You don’t need a fancy design degree to make them. All you need is a few photos, internet, and a bit of creativity. Oh, and Canva. Canva makes it all super easy.

This guide shows you how to design photo magnets using Canva templates without breaking a sweat. If you're running a small business or planning a party favor, or just wanna make something cute for your mom's fridge, this is for you.

Why Canva Is Just...Perfect

So why Canva?

Well, it's free (mostly). It's got a drag-and-drop style editor. You don’t need to install any app, and it works even on your phone.

And the templates? Let’s just say there’s plenty. From minimal clean looks to artsy styles, it's all there. Plus, if you're designing a 2x2 template or a square 2.5x2.5 layout, Canva lets you punch in the exact size you want.

Not gonna lie, we’ve used it for years, works every single time.

What You’ll Need (No Tech Headache)

Before we jump into the actual steps, here's a quick list of what you'll need:

• A Canva account (Free works, but Pro is cooler).
• Your magnet dimensions. Most people go with 2x2 or 2.5x2.5 inches.
• Some decent-looking photos. Could be a selfie, logo, cat, or that vacation sunset.
• Maybe a printer, if you’re doing it at home. If not, we got you covered here at Photo Magnets by Adam.

A note, don't use blurry pics. They might look okay on screen but won’t print right.

Let’s Design Some Magnets (Step-by-Step)

1 – Set Custom Dimensions

Fire up Canva. Hit "Create a Design" > "Custom Size."

• For a 2x2 inch magnet, use 600x600 px.
• For a 2.5x2.5 layout, make it 750x750 px.

Use high-res because we want that sharp print, right?

Tip: Turn on rulers/guides in Canva (you’ll find that in the menu). That way, you can avoid sticking stuff too close to the edges, helps when the printer cuts.

2 – Upload and Fit Your Photos

Got your images? Drag 'em into Canva. Boom, they’re ready to go.

Now comes layout time:

• Want to do a collage? Use grids. Works great when you're batching magnets.
• Just wanna keep it clean? One image per design, centered.

Wanna level it up a bit? Add borders or shadows. Canva’s got frames too. Circular, heart-shaped, square... pick one that fits your mood.

We recommend sticking your pic nicely inside the center. Avoid stretching it weird or leaving too much white space. It messes with the vibe.

3 – Spice It Up with Text or Graphics

Photos are cool, but text? It tells a story.

Use this moment to write a name, date, or a short message. Ideas?

• “Sophia’s Baby Shower – 2025”
• “John & Lara’s Big Day”
• “Thanks for shopping with us – Little Treat Inside!”

But keep it short. Photo magnets are small. You don’t want to cram it full.

And fonts? Stick with bold, clean ones. No curly, swirly unreadables. Think Montserrat, Lato, or Open Sans.

Also, watch your contrast. White text on a pale image? Nope. Make sure it pops.

4 – Download It the Right Way

Design done? Time to get it off Canva.

Hit that “Download” button. Choose:

• PNG (300 DPI) – best if you’re using a third-party printer.
• PDF Print – perfect if you’re printing at home or need crop marks.

Oh, don’t forget to check "Use crop marks and bleed" if your print place needs it. Ask them, they’ll tell you.

Templates That Save Time (Yup, We Got Some)

Don't wanna start from scratch? Use ready-made Canva templates. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.

You can find templates:

• On Canva itself (search: photo magnet, 2x2 template).
• On Etsy, tons of creators offer downloadable layouts.
• Or... right here on our site.

Click here to download our  Canva photo magnet templates

Our designs are clean, print-ready, and made just for magnets. You just pop in your photos, type your message, and boom, you’re done.

And hey, if DIY’s not your thing, we can even print 'em for you. Reach out. We’d love to help.

Mistakes to Avoid (We’ve All Been There)

Alright, let’s talk about stuff to avoid:

• Low-res photos. If it's blurry on screen, imagine it printed.
• Text too close to the edge. Might get chopped off.
• Bad font choice. If no one can read it, it ain’t helping.
• Over-designing. You don't need 5 fonts, 3 colors, and glitter. Keep it simple.
• Forgetting bleed space. Always plan a little margin around your design.

Keep those in mind and your photo magnets will look pro.

FAQs

Can I sell magnets I design on Canva?
Yep. You can use Canva designs for commercial stuff, just stick to their rules. If you use premium elements, make sure they’re licensed properly.

What's the best size?
Stick with 2x2 or 2.5x2.5. They look cute, they print well, and they’re easy to handle.

Can I make double-sided ones?
Most magnets are one-sided. But if your printer allows, you can design a back side too. Just duplicate the project and change the content.

So… Why Magnets?

Because people actually keep them. Seriously. Magnets don’t end up in trash. They live on fridges, lockers, and office whiteboards.

They’re small, affordable, and personal. You can give them as gifts, sell them as merch, or use them to promote your brand. People remember magnets.

Need some examples?

• A baby announcement with your newborn’s first pic.
• Thank-you gift for clients.
• Save-the-date wedding favors.
• Cute cat magnets for your online shop.

These little guys do more than you think.

Wanna Skip the Hard Part?

Listen, we get it. Not everyone has the time to mess around in Canva.

That’s why we made it easy for you.

Visit Photo Magnets by Adam
We’ve got Canva templates, ready-to-order custom magnets, and even print + ship options.

You send us your pics, we’ll handle the rest. Clean design. Fast delivery. Good vibes.

Final Thought

You don’t need to be a designer to create something people love. Just a good idea, a few solid photos, and Canva.

Now you know how to design photo magnets using Canva templates, what to avoid, and where to grab some awesome resources.

It’s fun, it’s quick, and honestly, it feels nice to hold your memories in your hand.

Give it a go. Or hit us up and let us do the heavy lifting for you.

Photo Magnets by Adam – Start Creating

Stick your story where it matters, on someone’s fridge.