Skip to content
VisualCodes
Log inNotify me

Guide · Canva

Canva prompts (Magic Media)

Generate the image inside the design you're making.

Canva's image generator (Magic Media) creates the image inside your design: post, presentation, poster… It's handy because the image is already placed and you add the text with Canva's tools.

A VisualCodes prompt gives it a clear description of lighting, framing and colour, so the image fits the rest of the design.

Build my promptSee examples

Anatomy of a Canva prompt

Each colour is a part the Builder adds for you: no need to remember each tool's format.

Steaming cup of coffee on a table by the window, soft ambient glow, strong background bokeh, cozy intimate mood4:5no text

  • Subject and codes
  • Format
  • What must not appear

How to use it with Canva

Three steps from the Builder.

  1. Build the combination in the Builder.
  2. Tap “Try in” → “Canva”: the prompt is copied and Canva's generator opens.
  3. Paste it, choose the orientation and add the image to your design.

Ready examples for Canva

Top, the VisualCodes combination; bottom, the prompt as the tool receives it. All use free sample codes.

  • A warm, close social post

    Combination

    /AmbientGlow"Steaming cup of coffee on a table by the window"/BokehPortrait/CozyMood-4:5 -no text

    Prompt for Canva

    Steaming cup of coffee on a table by the window, soft ambient glow, strong background bokeh, cozy intimate mood, 4:5, no text

    Open Canva ↗

  • Frozen action against the light

    Combination

    /CityStreet"Skateboarder jumping in a city street"/FreezeAction/Backlight/HighContrastColor-16:9 -no text

    Prompt for Canva

    Skateboarder jumping in a city street, city street setting, urban buildings, pavement, traffic cues and everyday street atmosphere, frozen high-speed action, strong backlight, high colour contrast, 16:9, no text

    Open Canva ↗

  • Drink product with one colour accent

    Combination

    /IceCold"Soda bottle with droplets on a dark background"/RedAccent/Smoke-1:1 -no text -no logo

    Prompt for Canva

    Soda bottle with droplets on a dark background, ice-cold drink look, single red accent, soft smoke atmosphere, 1:1, no text, no logo

    Open Canva ↗

  • Ad story with text

    Combination

    /StoryAd"Sale ad for a clothing store"/ShoppingBag/HighContrastColortext:"-30%" -9:16 -no extra text

    Prompt for Canva

    Sale ad for a clothing store, vertical story ad layout, safe interface margins, fast visual hook, clear CTA and offer space, branded retail shopping bag, visible logo placement, premium paper bag mockup, high colour contrast, text: "-30%", 9:16, no extra text beyond the requested title or subtitle, and no added words except text already present in the logo or reference image

    Open Canva ↗

  • Anime-style illustration with an 80s feel

    Combination

    /Anime"Girl with headphones on a street at night"/CityStreet/80s-2:3 -no text

    Prompt for Canva

    Girl with headphones on a street at night, anime-inspired style, expressive characters, clean linework, stylised cinematic emotion, polished illustrated look, city street setting, urban buildings, pavement, traffic cues and everyday street atmosphere, 1980s aesthetic, bold colour, neon accents, synth energy, glossy surfaces, 2:3, no text

    Open Canva ↗

  • Fast food with texture and light

    Combination

    /CrispyEdge"Crispy fries in a paper cone"/Backlight/Joyful-1:1 -no text

    Prompt for Canva

    Crispy fries in a paper cone, crispy browned edges, visible crunch texture, appetising cooking contrast, strong backlight, joyful mood, open positive expression, uplifting emotional brightness, 1:1, no text

    Open Canva ↗

Where Canva works best

Use cases with recommended codes and ready combinations.

Tips

  • Generate the image without text and write the headline with Canva's tools.
  • Use a text-space code to leave room for the headline.
  • Keep the same colour codes across all images in a presentation.

Common mistakes

  • Asking for text inside the image instead of adding it in Canva.
  • Very long prompts: Canva's generator does better with clear descriptions.
  • Forgetting to choose the design's orientation.

FAQ

Do I need Canva Pro?

It depends on your Canva account's limits; VisualCodes only prepares the prompt text.

Where do I paste the prompt?

In Canva's image generator or the Magic Media app inside a design.

Does it respect the ratio?

Orientation is chosen in Canva; the prompt mentions it so you know which to pick.

Other tools