7 Canva Apps That Add Power + Personality to Your Designs

Canva isn’t just for dropping text onto templates — it’s a design playground when you know where to look. These seven built-in apps boost creativity, add polish, and save serious time.

7 Canva Apps – Cover
Canva

1) Choppy Crop

Cropping doesn’t have to be square. Cut images with irregular shapes for organic, scroll-stopping compositions.

What it does

  • Applies non-rectangular crops for unique layouts.
  • Creates natural edges and visual rhythm.
  • Great for bold hero visuals and carousels.
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Pro tip: pair with a subtle grain background for a premium editorial feel.
How to use it
  1. Select your image.
  2. Open Apps → Choppy Crop and choose a shape.
  3. Adjust placement; add soft shadow for depth.
HeroCarouselsEditorial
Canva

2) Pexels

Find free, high-quality stock photos right inside Canva — no downloading or tab-switching.

What it does

  • Searches a massive library of free photos.
  • Drags images directly into your layout.
  • Saves time and keeps you in flow.
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Pro tip: add a noise/texture overlay at low opacity to make stock feel on-brand.
How to use it
  1. Open Apps → Pexels.
  2. Search your theme and insert.
  3. Tint with brand color for cohesion.
StockHeadersFast
Canva

3) Pattern Generator

Build repeatable patterns and textures in seconds to add rhythm and depth.

What it does

  • Creates seamless patterns for backgrounds/overlays.
  • Fully adjustable to match brand style.
  • Breaks up large areas of flat color.
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Pro tip: keep contrast subtle (10–20%) so content stays readable.
How to use it
  1. Open Apps → Pattern Generator.
  2. Pick a motif; set spacing/scale.
  3. Apply brand colors; reduce opacity.
BackgroundsTextureBranding
Canva

4) Magic Morph

Add smooth, animated shape and color transitions for polished motion without timelines.

What it does

  • Morphs shapes, text, and colors fluidly.
  • Perfect for reels, stories, and animated carousels.
  • Elevates motion design with minimal effort.
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Pro tip: keep movement purposeful—animate one thing at a time to avoid noise.
How to use it
  1. Group your target elements.
  2. Open Apps → Magic Morph and select a transition.
  3. Export as MP4 for socials.
MotionReelsStories
Canva

5) Google Maps

Embed a live map right in your design — great for invites, flyers, or local guides.

What it does

  • Adds interactive maps without screenshots.
  • Lets viewers pinpoint locations quickly.
  • Keeps designs functional and informative.
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Pro tip: pair with a short URL + QR code so people can tap-to-navigate on mobile.
How to use it
  1. Open Apps → Google Maps.
  2. Search the location; insert.
  3. Frame with your brand styles.
EventsLocalUtility
Canva

6) Bad TV

Give visuals a nostalgic, glitchy edge — perfect for music promos and bold reels.

What it does

  • Adds static and glitch textures.
  • Creates throwback or edgy aesthetics.
  • Great for mood boards and video edits.
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Pro tip: use sparingly over clean layouts so the effect feels intentional.
How to use it
  1. Select your asset (image/video).
  2. Open Apps → Bad TV and pick intensity.
  3. Mask to key areas for focus.
AestheticVideoEdgy
Canva

7) Noise Image

Add subtle grain to flat backgrounds for a more intentional, human feel.

What it does

  • Softens solid color fields with texture.
  • Adds depth while staying minimal.
  • Pairs beautifully with muted palettes.
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Pro tip: keep grain low (5–12%) and consistent across pages to avoid noise.
How to use it
  1. Create a background layer.
  2. Open Apps → Noise Image and set grain level.
  3. Blend at low opacity above your base color.
TextureMinimalPremium
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