Want to learn how to make custom arched text in Canva with more control than Canva’s regular Curve text effect gives you?
In this week’s tutorial, I’m showing you how to create your own custom arched text in Canva using two Canva apps: TypeCraft and Blend Image.
With this technique, you can actually reshape the word itself and then fill it with a pattern or design. I’ll show you two different looks: a full arch with both the top and bottom curved and an arch that has a straight top with a curved bottom.
These are such fun text styles for holiday designs, school spirit, PNGs, POD designs, and more!
Why Use TypeCraft Instead of Regular Curved Text?
Canva already has a Curve effect for text, but that’s not quite what we’re creating in this tutorial.
With regular curved text, the letters follow a curved path.
For these designs, I want to actually change the shape of the word itself.
That’s where the TypeCraft app comes in.
TypeCraft gives us more control over the shape of our lettering, allowing us to stretch and manipulate the text into the arched styles we’re looking for.
Method #1: Create a Full Arched Word
For the first design, I create a word where both the top and bottom follow an arch.
Start by opening the TypeCraft app inside Canva and adding your word.
From there, I show you how to manipulate the text until the entire word has that exaggerated arched shape.
Instead of simply bending along a path, the individual letters stretch to fill the shape, which gives us that bold custom typography look.
Once you’re happy with the shape, you have the base for your first design.
Method #2: Create a Straight Top, Arched Bottom Word
Next, we’re creating a slightly different version.
This time, the top of the word stays straight while the bottom curves into an arch.
It’s a small change, but it creates a completely different look.
This is also why I like using TypeCraft for this technique. You can experiment with the shape of your lettering instead of being limited to one standard curved text effect.
Depending on your design, one style may work much better than the other.
Add a Pattern to Your Arched Word
Creating the shape is only the first part of this tutorial.
Next, we’re going to fill it!
For that, I use another Canva app called Blend Image.
Blend Image allows me to take a pattern or design and combine it with the arched word I created in TypeCraft.
This is how we can go from a basic solid colored word to something like the plaid filled CHRISTMAS lettering in the tutorial.
You can experiment with:
- Plaid
- Gingham
- Polka dots
- Stripes
- Seasonal patterns
- School colors
- Textures
- Digital papers
Changing the pattern can completely transform the exact same word shape.
Combine Your Arched Word with Other Typography
You also don’t have to make every word in your design arched.
In fact, these custom words can make a great focal point when they’re paired with other fonts and text styles.
You could use a large patterned arch for your main word and then add script, handwritten, or simple text around it.
That contrast is what helps the arched word really stand out.
Try Different Arch Shapes
One of my favorite parts of this technique is that you aren’t locked into one look.
In the tutorial, I demonstrate:
Full Arch:
The top and bottom of the word are both curved.
Straight Top + Arched Bottom:
The top remains straight while the bottoms of the letters create the curve.
Once you understand how TypeCraft works, you can start experimenting with the shape and exaggerating the effect as much, or as little as you want.
Ideas for Using Arched Word Designs
This style can work for so many different niches and seasons.
Try it for:
- Christmas designs
- Fall and Halloween
- School spirit
- Mascot designs
- Sports graphics
- Personalized designs
- PNGs
- T shirts and sweatshirts
- Stickers
- POD products
And because you can change the pattern inside the lettering, one basic technique can create tons of completely different designs.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been trying to figure out how to make custom arched text in Canva, don’t limit yourself to the regular Curve effect.
Using TypeCraft to manipulate the shape of your word and Blend Image to add a pattern gives you much more freedom to create the bold, custom typography styles you’re seeing in designs right now.
Once you learn the basic process of creating arched text in Canva, try experimenting with different arch shapes, fonts, patterns, and supporting text to make the technique your own.
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