Can you really make money with Canva and Etsy?

Selling Canva Planners on Etsy: Legal Guide & Best Strategies for Success

Can You Make Money Selling Canva Digital Planners on Etsy? Here’s the Truth!

If you've ever scrolled through Etsy and seen digital planners racking up hundreds (or even thousands) of sales, you’ve probably wondered: What makes a planner go from 'just another listing' to a bestseller? And more importantly, is it even legal to sell Canva designs on Etsy?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about selling Canva digital planners on Etsy, including:

  • How to create a stunning planner using Canva
  • The secret behind Etsy’s top-selling digital planners
  • Whether digital planners are actually in demand
  • The legal aspects of selling Canva designs on Etsy
  • Tips to make your planner stand out and drive sales

Step 1: Do Digital Planners Sell Well on Etsy?

The short answer? Yes! Digital planners are a hot-selling item on Etsy, especially for people looking to stay organized paperlessly. With increasing demand for productivity tools, digital planners are a profitable niche—if done right.

However, competition is high. To succeed, your planner needs to stand out with unique layouts, appealing designs, and valuable features that customers need.

Step 2: Creating a Digital Planner in Canva

Canva makes designing planners simple—even if you have zero graphic design experience! Here’s how to get started:

  1. Choose the Right Size – Most digital planners are A4, Letter (8.5" x 11"), or tablet-friendly dimensions.
  2. Pick a Professional Layout – Use Canva’s templates or create a custom layout with sections for daily, weekly, or monthly planning.
  3. Use Hyperlinks – If you're making a planner for GoodNotes or Notability, adding clickable links makes navigation easy.
  4. Customize Your Aesthetic – Choose fonts, colors, and elements that align with your brand.
  5. Save as a PDF – Export your planner in an interactive PDF format for digital use.

Step 3: Is It Legal to Sell Canva Designs on Etsy?

The big question! Can you legally sell a Canva-created digital planner on Etsy?

Yes—but with conditions. If you're using Canva’s free templates without modifications, you cannot sell them. However, if you create a planner from scratch or significantly modify templates, you can sell them under Canva’s licensing rules.

  • DO: Customize layouts, change elements, and make it unique.
  • DON’T: Sell Canva’s pre-made templates as they are.

For a safer approach, consider using Canva Pro to access more customization options and commercial licensing.

Step 4: How to Upload Your Planner to Etsy Using a Unique PDF Method

A great way to deliver your digital planner to customers is by using a simple, yet professional PDF method. Here’s how:

  1. Create a Google Document or Canva page.
  2. Get the link to your planner file and add it to the page. (There are many tutorials online on how to do this.)
  3. Design this page to look inviting. Add clear text above the link stating it is the planner download link—this is what customers will open after purchasing.
  4. Ensure permissions are set to public so buyers can access the planner. This is especially important if using a Google Document.
  5. Upload only this page as a PDF to Etsy.

Before publishing, save your listing as a draft and test the process to ensure everything works correctly. This method makes delivery seamless and gives a professional touch to your product!

 

Step 5: How to List Your Digital Planner on Etsy for Maximum Sales

To make your planner a bestseller, follow these tips:

  • Optimize Your Title & Tags – Use keywords like “digital planner for iPad,” “GoodNotes planner,” and “printable daily planner.”
  • Create Eye-Catching Mockups – Show your planner in use with tablet, desktop, or lifestyle mockups.
  • Write a Compelling Description – Highlight key features, compatibility, and benefits.
  • Offer Bonuses – Include extras like sticker packs, printable versions, or tutorial guides.
  • Promote Your Listing – Use Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok to drive traffic.

Final Thoughts: Can Your Planner Be the Next Bestseller?

Etsy’s digital planner market is full of potential, but success requires creativity, marketing, and understanding what buyers want. With Canva, you can design a planner that stands out—but make sure it’s unique and legally compliant!

If you’re ready to turn your ideas into a profitable Etsy business, start designing your planner today. Who knows? Your digital planner might just be the next big hit! 🚀

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