If you’ve ever downloaded the perfect font or even made your own and wondered, “Can I use this in the Canva app on my iPhone?” you’re in the right place. Canva’s mobile app makes it easier than ever to design from anywhere, but not all features are easy to find at first glance.
One of the most common questions I get is: How do you upload fonts to Canva using your phone or iPad?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through step by step exactly how to upload fonts to Canva on mobile. Whether you’re designing for social media, building your brand, or testing out your own handwritten font, you’ll learn how to upload, troubleshoot, and use your custom fonts in the Canva app on iOS.
Prefer to watch instead? I’ve created a full YouTube tutorial just for this!
This post is all about how to upload fonts to Canva mobile.
This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend tools I use and love. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Can You Upload Fonts to Canva on Mobile?
Yes, you can upload fonts to Canva directly from your iPhone or iPad, but there’s one important catch: this feature is only available for Canva Pro users. If you’re using the free version of Canva, font upload isn’t currently supported, even if you’re on mobile.
Once you upgrade to Canva Pro, the font upload option becomes available inside your Brand Kit, even in the Canva mobile app. This means you can upload your favorite fonts on the go without having to open the desktop version.
And the best part? Once you upload a font using your iPhone or iPad, it syncs automatically to all your devices, including desktop, tablet, and mobile. So if you’re a designer, content creator, or small business owner who prefers working from your phone, this makes your brand fonts instantly accessible wherever you are.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before we dive into the steps, make sure you have a few things ready. Canva makes the process simple, but having everything organized beforehand can save you time and avoid frustration.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A Canva Pro account (the font upload feature is not available on the free plan)
- A font file in .OTF, .TTF, or .WOFF format
- The font file saved to your Files app on iPhone or iPad (iCloud Drive, Downloads, or another folder you can access from the Canva app)
Optional, but really fun: If you’ve made your own font using your handwriting or iPad drawings, I recommend using the iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil Pro. Add a Paperlike screen protector and it feels just like drawing on paper. I use this setup to create fonts and digital illustrations that I later upload into Canva.
Pro Tip: If you haven’t made your own font yet, I’ve got a full tutorial showing you how to create one using your handwriting and upload it directly into Canva.
Watch it here: How to Turn Handwriting Into a Font AND Upload to Canva!
How to Upload Fonts to Canva on iPhone or iPad (Step-by-Step)
Now that you’ve got your font ready, let’s go through the exact steps to upload it into Canva using your phone or iPad. The process is quick and easy once you know where to tap.
Step 1: Open the Canva App
Start by launching the Canva mobile app and make sure you’re logged into your Canva Pro account.
Step 2: Tap on Your Profile Icon
You’ll find your profile icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen. This opens your account and brand settings.
Step 3: Navigate to the Brand Hub
Tap “Brand Hub,” then select the Brand Kit where you want to upload your font. You can have multiple brand kits if you manage more than one business or project.
Step 4: Tap ‘Upload a Font’
Scroll down to the “Fonts” section of your Brand Kit. You’ll see an option to Upload a Font. Tap that.
Step 5: Select the Font File
Browse your Files app and navigate to the folder where your font is saved. Tap the file to select it. Canva will automatically recognize supported formats like .otf and .ttf.
Step 6: Agree to the Upload Terms
Canva will ask you to confirm that you have the proper license or rights to use the font. Tap “Yes, upload away” to proceed.
Step 7: Wait for the Upload to Complete
The font will begin uploading and processing. Once it finishes, you’ll see it listed under “Uploaded Fonts” in your Brand Kit.
And that’s it! Your font is now live and ready to use in any of your Canva designs, directly from your mobile device.
Canva Mobile Font Upload Not Working? Try This
If your font upload isn’t working or you don’t see the “Upload a Font” button in your Canva app, don’t worry. Here are some quick fixes to try:
- You’re not on Canva Pro: Font upload is a Pro-only feature. Double-check your plan inside account settings.
- Your font file isn’t supported: Canva only accepts OTF, TTF, and WOFF files. If your file is in a ZIP or different format, try extracting or converting it first.
- You don’t see the Brand Kit or upload option
Make sure you’re looking in the Brand Hub, not just your homepage. The option is only available inside a Brand Kit.
- Canva app is out of date: Update to the latest version of the Canva app from the App Store to unlock all current features.
- Font won’t upload or shows an error: Try force-closing the app and re-opening it, or uploading a different version of the font file (OTF tends to work best on mobile).
Most issues are fixable in just a few taps. Canva’s mobile syncing is usually reliable, so if the font doesn’t show up right away, give it a few moments or check your desktop to confirm it processed.
How to Use Your Uploaded Font in a Canva Mobile Design
Once your font is uploaded, you can immediately start using it in your designs on mobile. Here’s how:
- Open a new or existing design in the Canva app
- Tap on any text box or add a new one
- Tap the font name dropdown at the bottom of your screen
- Scroll to the Uploaded Fonts section
- Tap your custom font to apply it
It works just like any other font in Canva. You can use it for headings, body text, logos, ebook covers, Instagram graphics, or anywhere else you’d normally style your brand content.
Once you upload that font to your Brand Kit, that font will now appear in every design you create with that kit on both mobile and desktop.
Freebie: Handwritten Font Pairing Mini Pack
If you’re uploading a custom font you created or just experimenting with new typefaces, pairing it with the right supporting fonts can be tricky. That’s why I created a free Font Pairing Mini Pack that helps your unique font look intentional and stylish.
This freebie includes:
- 3 curated Canva font combinations to support your handwritten or custom font
- A quick-start guide to styling your fonts like a pro
- Canva-ready and beginner-friendly
Whether you’ve designed your own font or just found one you love, this free download will help you pair it confidently inside Canva.
Grab your freebie here:
Related Tutorials You’ll Love
To go even deeper with Canva fonts and mobile design, check out these helpful posts and videos:
- How to Upload Fonts to Canva on Desktop (Pro feature walkthrough)
- How to Make Your Own Font AND Upload It to Canva (Full Guide for Creatives)
- How to Export Your Canva Logo to a Vector File and SVG File
- Canva Font Styling Cheat Sheet (Digital Product)
Whether you’re designing from your phone, tablet, or desktop, these resources will help you build a brand that looks consistent and polished across every platform.
Final Tips for Mobile Font Uploads in Canva
- Use a clear naming system for your font files so you don’t get confused later
- Save all your brand assets like your fonts, logos, and color palettes in one folder in your Files app for easy access
- Consider creating a brand board in Canva using your uploaded font so you can reference it in future designs
- If you’re working across multiple devices, double-check that your font synced before sending off final designs
Uploading fonts to Canva on mobile unlocks a whole new level of freedom in your design process. You’re no longer tied to your desktop, and your brand can now follow you wherever inspiration strikes.
Let me know in the comments: What font are you uploading today? And if you’re working on your own handwritten font, I’d love to see it in action! Tag me on Instagram @dailycreativeco.
Leave a Reply