How To Find Perfect Canva Elements For Your Ancestry Book Templates. The Must Have Canva Keyword List!
125+ Canva Elements Keywords for Ancestry Book Templates and Creative Family History Art projects!
Keywords To Elements Free List!
Hi Again!
Welcome back, creative genealogy friends!
If you’re just starting out on your creative genealogy journey, you’re likely to have dipped your toe into the exciting world of Canva “Elements” or as those of us of a certain vintage might refer to it... “CLIP ART”. 🤭
Even if you’re only dabbling with adding a few creative touches when organizing your genealogy documents and profiles, have had a bit more exposure to the Canva platform, or are already using a Restorasnap All In One, Done-For-You Ancestry Book Template, you might not realize there could be hundreds more art options you’re missing out on!
I’m here to show you how to fix that so that you can access a whole world of art suited perfectly to your important Ancestry projects!
ABOUT KEYWORDS
It all revolves around keywords and how effectively you use them to find images that are just the right fit for the job. Sound good? It’s more than good, it’s a complete game changer and one that promises to give you back hours of research and book creation time that you used to spend scrolling for art.
In case you haven’t delved much into Keywords for Elements, though—I’ll explain it in a bit more detail so you can jump straight in after reading this post!
WHAT IS THE CANVA ELEMENT KEYWORD SEARCH?
Well, instead of just vaguely typing single, random words into the elements search field and then scrolling forever until something takes your eye, you can invest quality time targeting more specific groups of words to unlock and display “hidden or secret” clip art ( which you’ll find under the GRAPHICS option).
Note: you will also see results for Photos, Videos, and Charts, and of course can explore those results, but for this exercise, I am referring to “Graphics”
We will explore the other options in a future post, I promise.
These refined searches are much more likely to hone in on art that more closely fits your vision or idea and thus move you more swiftly toward finished documents, books, and presentations that you’re delighted to show off.
In essence, by choosing search terms for images you do want, you are, by default, telling Canva to omit what you don’t. You’ll only be shown the stuff you really NEED TO SEE! Brilliant!
FREE OR PRO CANVA…HOW DOES THAT WORK?
One thing I’d like to mention about Canva is the difference between the Free plan and the Pro Plan.
You will have no trouble finding plenty of beautiful design assets in the Free Element library, so don’t be discouraged if you are not using the paid plan.
While you’ll have plenty of elements to choose from, please take note that you’ll still be shown PRO account options.
It is perfectly ok to select and use the PRO elements which are identified by the little crown similar to this:
If you do, just be aware that you will be asked to pay a small fee when you go on to download or print your document.
If you would like to completely avoid being shown any pro elements, then all you need to do is click the Filter icon in the search bar:
In the dropdown you can also apply other filters to help you refine the search even further! (ie colours, static/animated, cutouts only etc) Look for this filter image to the right of the search bar. See the image below.
DID YOU KNOW?
…that to keep costs down for Family History research lovers, who are exploring their creative side, we only create our All-In-One Done for you Ancestry Book Template Kits using completely FREE Elements and Fonts.
If you haven't tried one of our 100% customizable template kits yet, you can see them here. Don’t hesitate to use the form on our Contact page if you have any questions or concerns about trying one out for yourself.
CLICK BELOW TO TAKE A LOOK!
READY TO SAY THE MAGIC WORDS?
So, what are these magical keywords? And how do you come up with the combinations?
Don’t worry - I have curated a done-for-you list that will save you an eternity of scrolling.
I have listed them below.
Why this specific list? Can’t you just Google Canva element keywords? You sure can, but if you want a targeted, tested list that has been carefully handpicked to align with the kind of vibe you want to convey in your creative genealogy projects, then is the one for you.
By no means is it an exhaustive list, because even on the FREE plan, the options in Canva are VAST and there are too many to share just in one post.
That said, the below is certain to break you out of the trial and error rut and frustration of finding the perfect piece of art to elevate your work and make you a more productive and happy creator!
While have listed these all in the post below, I have also created a handy PDF checklist to keep on hand and tick as you go and make your own notes
Click below to download the free list and get the bonus Canva Project Planner Template where you can save elements for specific projects. There’s even a section to save all of your other favorites for later reference which you can simply copy then paste into new documents!
Get the bumper list of Canva elements keywords that you should know in order to create sumptuous, mouthwatering Family History wall art, Ancestry Books, and planners in a flash!
CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST AND PLANNER:
USEFUL TO KNOW:
We already know ELEMENTS are split into Types - Graphics, Photos, Videos, and Charts, but when you use specific search words and codes, you will be treated to a vast array of art in the below categories too!
These encompass patterns, backgrounds, picture frames, borders, decorative cornices, and gradients.
Don’t be put off by backgrounds, patterns, or elements that seem too intense or loud for your job, as many of them can be edited (using the adjustments tool, or applying filters for example), and all of them can be adjusted using the transparency tool to control the intensity from subtle glows to bold vivid tones.
We’ll cover these in more detail in a future post, for sure. But for now, you’ll find plenty of inspiration from the below list of art to get you started, which is going to save you hours on your next project. OK - with that out of the way - let’s dive in!
HOW?
HOW TO ACCESS THIS SEARCH...
You’ve probably used the search bar before, but for those new to this process, or unaware of the deeper way to dig we start by looking for:
The Elements Tool. It is activated when you click on the left-hand side black bar: it looks like this:
NEXT: we conduct the keyword search - Shown below
How to Search for Elements in Canva using Keywords
All you have to do is type any keyword that I have included in this post into the ‘Elements’ search field.
Straightaway, you’ll be treated to beautiful graphics/illustrations/clip art that you can select with one click which will place it on your page! Too easy.
DESIGNER TIP!
it's always best to exercise restraint when adding elements to your designs. However, if you choose to incorporate multiple elements, pay attention to the grouped results. These are often sets created and contributed by a single artist, deliberately designed with a cohesive theme
SHOW ME THE KEYWORDS AND BRAND CODES:
So, what are these magical keywords and codes? And how do you come up with the combinations?
Don’t worry - I have curated a done-for-you list that will save you an eternity, scrolling the internet!
I have listed them below.
Why this specific list? Can’t you just Google Canva element keywords? You sure can, but if you want a targeted, proven list that has been carefully handpicked to align with the kind of vibe you want to convey in your creative genealogy projects, then is the one for you.
By no means is it an exhaustive list, because even on the FREE plan, the options in Canva are VAST and there are too many to share just in one post.
That said, the below is certain to break you out of the incessant scrolling, trial and error frustration of finding the perfect piece of art to elevate your work!
I give you the bumper list of Canva elements keywords that you should know to create sumptuous, mouthwatering Family History wall art, Ancestry Books, and planners in minutes!
I’ve gone ahead and organized them by content category to help you on your way.
THE LIST
The following list contains keywords for seamless patterns, backgrounds & texture elements. After searching for your keyword in the “Elements” tab, you will be prompted to choose from a category (i.e. Graphics, Photos, Videos). You will find the most relevant selection of elements in the “Graphics” category.
Backgrounds & Texture Elements
Easy Canva Keywords for Background Layers, Textures, Wallpapers, Patterns, and Overlays
BACKGROUNDS
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Background + color (ie. Background purple)
Geometric background
Neutral background
Paper background
Paper texture
Pastel aesthetic background
GRADIENTS AND OVERLAYS
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Blurred Gradient
Blurry
Flower gradient blur
Gradient + color (ie. Gradient purple)
Gradient blob
Gradient circle
Gradient fade
Gradient shape
Gradient square
Gradient transparent
Transparent gradient
Keywords for Canva - for Collage, Paper & Scrapbook Themed Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Brown paper
Canvapaperframes
Canvascrapbook
Canvatexturize
Collage elements
Collage letters
Cutout
Flat letter cutout
Newpngelement
Ripped paper
Scrapbook
Sticky note
Tape
Torn paper
Washi tape
Pressed Flowers
Vintage fabric
Dried
Seamless Repeating Patterns
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Abstract pattern
Vintage pattern
Nature pattern
Background pattern
Brush pattern
Canvaretropatterns
Floral pattern
Geometric pattern
Line pattern
Marble patterns
Seamless background
Terrazo pattern
Topography pattern
Vintage wallpaper pattern
Victorian pattern
Best Keywords for Canva Elements - Hand drawn, Sketched, and Illustrated Art
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Basic hand-drawn shapes
Blogger doodle
Camping rustic drawing
Canvasimpledoodles
Doodle
Doodle line
Drawing
Handdrawn animals
Handdrawn love
Handdrawnpro
Handpainted
Letteringbynica
Pencil freeform
Old Style illustration
Simple drawn objects
Universalscenery
Best Canva Keywords for Brush & Paint Stroke Style Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Brushstroke
Gold Brush
Newbrushstroke
Paint brush stroke
Paint splash
Paint stroke
Stroke
Watercolour
Canvapaintedshapes
Best Canva Keywords for Typography, Fonts, and Lettering Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Cutout letter
Hand lettering
Magazine letters
Nostalgiatype
Pinoy sign board
Pinoy quotes
Scrapbook letters
Quotedecor
Typography
Rustic letters
Vintage style numbers
Ornate lettering
Keywords for Canva - Soft & harmonious Elements in Canva
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Soft foliage
Subtle leaves
Feminine
Delicate feminine
Dainty
Soft shapes
Floral aesthetic
Flowy aesthetic
Cottage garden
Vintage Wedding
Best Canva Keywords for Aesthetic Decoration Elements & Abstract Designs
The following list contains keywords for aesthetic elements and abstract shapes and elements. After searching for your keyword in the “Elements” tab, you will be prompted to choose from a category (i.e. Graphics, Photos, Videos). You will find the most relevant selection of elements in the “Graphics” category.
Elements Keywords for Frames, Corners, and Border Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Burst frames
Canvapaperframes
Dividers
Dynamic aesthetic frames
Frames
Leaf Frame
Cornices
Rustic corners
Vintage corners
Newframe
Organicframe
Photo holder frame
Straight arrow
Text frame
Ornate borders
Decorative frames square
Round frames
Rectangular heritage frames
KEYWORDS BY STYLE AND ERA
Keywords for Canva Elements - Style: Victorian Era
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Victorian decor
Victorian Era
Canva Elements Keywords for Art Nouveau Style
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Art Nouveau style
Art Nouveau wallpaper
Art Nouveau decoration
Canva Elements Keywords for Art Deco Style
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Art DecoStyle
Art Deco wallpaper
Art Deco decoration
Best Canva Keywords for Boho & Rustic Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Aesthetic dried flowers
Bohemian
Rustic aesthetic
Boho background
Boho flowers
Pampas grass
Rustic
Rustic hanging string light
Rustic watercolor
Terracotta
Best Canva Keywords for Vintage & Retro Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for:
Cottagecore
Film frame
Nostalgic
Polaroid
Polaroid frame
Retro
Retro background
Retro ui
Vintage background
Vintage flower
Vintage frame
Vintage journal tickets
Vintage tape
Vintage decor
Vintage objects
Vintage Fashion
Flowers & the Natural World
Simple Canva Keywords for Flowers and Natural-Themed Elements
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for
Blooming
Blurred flowers
Dried flowers
Eucalyptus
Flower border
Flower doodle
Flower outline
Flower vector
Greenery
Pastel + palm
Potted
Pressed flowers
Rustic
Simple flower
Sketchy flowers
Vivid leaves
Watercolour forest
Watercolor leaves
Australian flora
Flower drawing
Cottagecore
Scrapbooking
In the "Elements" tab in Canva, search for
There are some really special items to be found under this category which lend a lovely vibe to Family History Projects.
Ripper Paper
Scrapbook Flowers
Scrapbook Letter
Ripped Newspaper
Cutout Letters
Tape
Collage
Patterned paper
Photo Corners
Scrapbook Flowers
Scrapbook layout
BRAND CODES
Canva Brand Codes
To use brand codes (which open up complete sets of art from the same artist or contributor that are similar in style), simply type in the CODES below as you would a keyword.
By choosing to use these super handy assets, you can achieve a consistent look and feel across your whole project.
Canva Brand Codes to get you started:
Type these Canva brand codes into the ‘Elements’ search bar for even more secret art!
BAD695DwEDM
BADeGZOX6Sc
BAD63x8KTpk
