Learn how to make free printables that you can frame!
DIY Printables
Did you ever see a framed quote in a store and think, “I wish could make something like that!”? I see them all the time and finally realized that yes, it’s easy to do!
It’s actually pretty easy to create printable quotes once you figure it out. When you start, you’re not going to want to stop!
I’m going to show you how to easily create free printable quotes using the free graphic design platform Canva. It is fairly easy to use once you try it and has plenty of features that are totally free.
When we’re done creating printable quotes, I’ll also show you a pretty cool way to frame them as well!
Learn how to create your own free printable quotes using these easy-to-follow instructions!This post contains affiliate links.
What Program Do You Use to Make Printables?
Canva is a free graphic design tool website that uses drag-and-drop design formats and has a multitude of layouts that are easy to manipulate. I use it often for blog post images, Pinterest images, and even the logo for my website.
I could go on and on about what makes Canva so special or different, but once you play around with it and compare it to other design tools, you’ll understand.
→Get printable step-by-step instructions in my Resource Library!
How Do I Make Printables on Canva?
First, sign up for a Canva account.
It’s totally free to sign up. (There is a paid version if you plan on using it a lot, but you can do everything in this tutorial for free.)
After you fill out your information, you’ll be taken to what’s considered your dashboard. You can play around with everything you see, but for this tutorial, we’re going to be creating an 8.5 x 11 printable.
Note: This is best done on a desktop or laptop.
Under Create a Design, choose US Letter.
When you click on it, another window will open with a blank image. On the side, you’ll see tabs that say Search, Layout, Elements, Text, Backgrounds, Uploads. We’ll be using those to create the printable.
Click on Text.
You’ll see pre-made text designs that are free to use. For this printable, choose Add Heading. A text box will appear on your blank image.
Click on the text box.
When you click on the text box, you’ll be able to delete the words “Add a Heading” and enter your own quote.
Copy and paste this quote:
A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
(We’ll add the author in a minute.)
Move the text box.
Hover over the text box, grab it with your mouse, and move it up. Guide lines will appear to let you know when it’s in the center of the image. Once we change the font, we can move it again, but for now, it’s okay in the center.
Change the font.
Now it’s time to get creative. Highlight the quote you pasted. Go to where you see the words “Abril Fatface” on the page. That is where you will see a list of fonts.
For quote printables, I like to use a script, handwriting, or calligraphy font, such as Brusher, Allura, Sacramento, etc. Keep in mind though, that you want to be able to see the quote clearly when it’s printed, so a font that can be in bold is probably the best choice.
For this quote, click on the list of fonts, scroll down to Brusher. Your font should change to Brusher.
→Get printable step-by-step instructions in my Resource Library!
Change the size and location.
When you change the font, you’ll see that the size and location of the quote may change as well. For this printable, I recommend changing the size to 80 (size depends on the font).
You may need to adjust the text box so that the quote fits on the page. If you’ll be framing your printable inspirational quote, leave an inch or so in the margins for the frame.
I again moved the quote so that it was in the center of the page. For this one, I chose to leave the text aligned in the center.
Add the author and change the text.
The author of this quote was Albert Einstein. Add a new text box, type in his name, and change the font.
I used Trocchi size 21.
Optional: Add an element.
If you want to add a tiny splash of color, you can add a little element to the image. Click on the Elements tab, and scroll through the available free elements.
You can put the element behind the quote for a little extra flair. Fade the element and then send it to the back of the image.
Download your printable inspirational quote.
In the upper right corner, you’ll see a button that says Download. Under File Type, choose PDF Print.
(Can’t open a PDF on your computer? Download it as a JPG and print it out as if it’s a photo image. )
Open the PDF and print.
Print out your inspirational quote printable on an 8.5 x 11 piece of white printer paper or white card stock.
That’s it!
By following these instructions again and using your own quote, you can create your own free printables! They would be great in your home, in your bedroom, at the office, or even at school!
EXAMPLE Printables Made with Canva
→Get printable step-by-step instructions in my Resource Library!
How to Frame Printables
Want to have the ability to change out your printable quote easily? I found this SnapeZo frame on Amazon that is super easy to use!
This frame is a front loading frame. The sides all open up so that you can easily replace what is inside the frame.
Any time I want to switch out the quote, I can do it easily and quickly.
See it in action!
Go Make Your Own Printables!
Do you have some quotes in mind that you’d love to design and print? Share them with us below and get working on your printable creations!
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Rhonda | Small Things Over Time says
I love printables. Great tutorial. That’s a cool frame too. Thanks!
Alison says
Thank you! This is so helpful. I love the step by step visuals. For someone like who’s not so tech savvy this was an awesome tutorial.
Rianna Stavrides says
This is perfect! I was thinking of doing something like this for my daughter’s room. Great tutorial! 😛
TikkyTokky215 says
Thank you for this tutorial! It was the best I’ve seen!
Question, on Canva, can you make quotes for different sized frames like 5×7 printable quotes and other sizes?
Marissa says
Thanks! Yes, you can choose different sizes when you first start the project. If you use the paid version of Canva, you can adjust the sizes even after you make your project.
Heather @ Strong With Grace says
This is a great post idea and tutorial! I love Canva, it’s so amazing! I have a bunch of first time mom quotes and I’ll have to add your link so my readers can use your method to hang them. So fun! Thanks for taking the time to create this! ~Heather
Teresa Savage says
Can I do this from my iPhone?
Marissa says
You can create printables on your phone using the Canva app. I’m not sure how it works for an iphone, but I know it works on my Galaxy S10. If the app does work on your phone, then you can just send your creation to a printer when you are finished.