App Development
Platform concepts
Extensions
Backend development
Server API
Reference
Creating the App Directory listing
In the Apps Directory(opens in a new tab or window), all apps have their own page. This page is an excellent way to drive attention and engagement to your app, so it's worth taking the time to craft compelling copy and graphics that clearly communicate the app's benefits.
You can customize the content that appears on your app's page via the app's Details page in the Developer Portal. This must be done before submitting your app for review. Once your app has been approved for release, you can make further changes by creating a new version of it.
App listing details
App name
- Use fewer than 10 characters, including spaces (more than 10 characters may lead to overflow).
- All references to the destination platform must match the platform's registered brand name. E.g. Spelling, capitalization, etc.
- Avoid acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, slangs, and jokes, as they're confusing and don't translate well.
- If you use a combination of brand name and product name, place the brand name first, then the product name. For example, Google Drive, Publuu Flipbooks.
- Use the app's name consistently in your messaging.
App tagline
- Highlight the main benefit of what the app enables users to do in Canva.
- Use one sentence of fewer than 50 characters, including spaces (more than 50 characters may lead to overflow).
- Don't end the sentence with punctuation (no period, exclamation mark, or question mark).
- Avoid acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, slangs, and jokes, as they're confusing and don't translate well.
- Be consistent with the purpose described in the short description and app description.
- Don't include marketing claims of any kind. For example, don't describe the app as the "world's most popular" app in its category.
- Use "design" to describe the output. Avoid terms such as "PDF", "template", or "image".
- Use a term that more accurately describes the app's content, such as logos, QR codes, icons, images, charts, etc. Avoid terms such as "files" or "assets".
Short description
- Briefly explain what the app enables users to do in Canva.
- Use fewer than 50 characters, including spaces (more than 50 characters may lead to overflow).
- End the sentences with punctuation (a period, exclamation mark, or question mark).
- Avoid acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, slangs, and jokes, as they're confusing and don't translate well.
- Use "design" to describe the output. Avoid terms such as "PDF", "template", or "image".
- All references to the destination platform must match the platform's registered brand name. E.g. Spelling, capitalization, etc.
- Be consistent with the purpose described in the app tagline and app description.
App description
- In more detail than the Short description, explain what the app enables users to do in Canva.
- If you want to describe what your organization does in general or highlight features that exist outside of the app, include this information at the end of the description.
- Don't include marketing claims of any kind. For example, don't describe the app as the "world's most popular" app in its category.
- Use 2-3 sentences, with fewer than a total of 200 characters, including spaces (more than 200 characters may lead to overflow).
- End the sentences with punctuation (a period, exclamation mark, or question mark).
- This description will be translated, so the shorter it is, the easier it will be to translate into languages that require more characters to convey the same meaning.
- Avoid acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, slangs, and jokes, as they're confusing and don't translate well.
- Use "design" to describe the output. Avoid terms such as "PDF", "template", "creative", or "image".
- Use a term that more accurately describes the app's content, such as logos, QR codes, icons, images, charts, etc. Avoid terms such as "files" or "assets".
- All references to the destination platform must match the platform's registered brand name. E.g. Spelling, capitalization, etc.
- Be consistent with the purpose described in the app tagline and short description.
App listing assets
App icon
- Keep the design simple, as small details aren't visible at lower resolutions.
- Ensure the icon is recognizable at the smallest display size of 24px × 24px.
- Use fewer than 2-3 colors.
- Use adequate padding around elements in the icon.
- Use an opaque (non-transparent) background.
- Don't use text, as it can't be translated during the localization process.
App featured image
- Show the result of using your app.
- Ensure the images are crisp and clear:
- Minimum dimensions: 2400 pixels x 1800 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Maximum file size: 5MB
- File type: PNG, JPG
- Keep the design simple, as small details aren't visible at lower resolutions.
- Show a skeleton view instead of real screenshots and photos.
- Use 1-2 colors that best represent your brand.
- Remove UI details that distract from the app's main function.
- Don't use text, as it can't be translated during the localization process.
- Ensure the elements in the image are proportionate to the dimensions and alignment of the actual Canva UI.
- Use even spacing around the elements in the image.
- Maintain a consistent look and feel, color choice, and styling with the app images.
- Ensure the image isn't a duplicate of the app image.
- See samples at http://canva.com/apps(opens in a new tab or window) to source some inspiration.
App images
- Provide at least 2 images and not more than 5 images.
- In some cases, it's sufficient to upload one image for apps that only have a publish extension. In these cases, consider an image of the destination platform.
- Demonstrate where your app is discovered in the Canva editor.
- Show how your app works in the Canva editor (adding content, publishing the design, different styles and features).
- Ensure the images are crisp and clear:
- Minimum dimensions: 2400 pixels x 1800 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Maximum file size: 5MB
- File type: PNG, JPG
- Keep the design simple, as small details aren't visible at lower resolutions.
- Show a skeleton view instead of real screenshots and photos.
- Use 1-2 colors that best represent your brand.
- Remove UI details that distract from the app's main function.
- Don't use text, as it can't be translated during the localization process.
- Ensure the elements in the image are proportionate to the dimensions and alignment of the actual Canva UI.
- Use even spacing around the elements in the image.
- Maintain a consistent look, color scheme, positioning, and styling with the app featured image.
- Ensure the images aren't a duplicate of the app featured image.
- See samples at http://canva.com/apps(opens in a new tab or window) to source some inspiration.
App support and links
Terms and conditions URL
- Provide a URL that users can visit to view the app's terms and conditions.
- The URL must be hosted by you and viewable on mobile (and other non-desktop) devices.
Privacy policy URL
- Provide a URL that users can visit to view the app's privacy policy.
- The URL must be hosted by you and viewable on mobile (and other non-desktop) devices.
Support URL
- Provide a URL that Canva and users can visit to provide feedback, report any issues, or request for general support.
- The URL must be hosted by you and viewable on mobile (and other non-desktop) devices.
Developer details
Company or developer name
- Use fewer than 20 characters, including spaces (more than 20 characters may lead to overflow).
- Be consistent with the official company name, spelling, and capitalization.
- Don't use URLs.