Curved text adds visual interest to logos, badges, labels, and social media graphics. Canva makes it easy to bend text into arcs, circles, and wave shapes without any design experience. This guide shows you how to curve text in Canva, including how to create text that wraps around a circle.
1Curve Text (Step-by-Step)
The Curve effect is found in the Effects panel and works with any text box. Here's how to use it.
Desktop/Web Steps
- 1Open your design in Canva or create a new one.
- 2Click Text in the left sidebar and add a text box, or press T on your keyboard.
- 3Type your text and style it (font, size, color).
- 4With the text selected, click Effects in the top toolbar.
- 5Scroll down to the Shape section in the Effects panel.
- 6Click Curve.
- 7Adjust the slider to set your desired curve intensity.
Pro Tip: The Curve effect is free for all Canva users. You don't need a Pro account to access it.
2Adjust the Curve Intensity
The curve slider controls how much your text bends. Here's how different values affect your text.
| Slider Value | Effect | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No curve (flat text) | Reset to normal |
| +50 to +100 | Gentle downward curve | Subtle arched headings |
| +100 to +200 | Strong downward arc | Top of circle badges |
| -50 to -100 | Gentle upward curve | Subtle wave effects |
| -100 to -200 | Strong upward arc | Bottom of circle badges |
The slider goes from about -200 to +200. Experiment with different values to find the perfect curve for your design.
3Create Circular Text (Around a Circle)
To create text that wraps around a circle (like a badge or logo), you'll need two curved text boxes: one for the top arc and one for the bottom.
Steps for Circular Text
- 1Go to Elements and add a circle shape to use as a guide (you can delete it later).
- 2Add your first text box for the top of the circle.
- 3Apply the Curve effect and set the slider to a positive value (e.g., +100).
- 4Position this text at the top of your circle.
- 5Add a second text box for the bottom of the circle.
- 6Apply the Curve effect and set the slider to the same value but negative (e.g., -100).
- 7Position this text at the bottom of your circle.
- 8Use the rotation handle to fine-tune the position of each text arc.
Pro Tip: Increase the letter spacing (found in the text options) to make the text spread more evenly around the circle.
4Curve Text the Opposite Way
By default, positive curve values bend text downward (like a smile). To curve text upward (like a frown), use negative values.
Positive Values (+)
Text curves downward (smile shape). Move slider to the right.
Negative Values (-)
Text curves upward (frown shape). Move slider to the left.
5Curve Text on Mobile
You can curve text in the Canva mobile app on iPhone and Android.
Mobile App Steps
- 1Open your design in the Canva app.
- 2Tap on a text box or add a new one.
- 3Tap Effects at the bottom of the screen.
- 4Scroll to Shape and tap Curve.
- 5Drag the slider to adjust the curve amount.
6Tips for Better Curved Text
Keep text short
Shorter text works better for tight curves. Long phrases need gentler arc angles or they become hard to read.
Adjust letter spacing
Increase letter spacing for text wrapping around circles. This helps the text spread more evenly and look balanced.
Use bold fonts
Bold, sans-serif fonts are easier to read when curved. Thin or script fonts can be harder to read at extreme curve angles.
Match curve values
For circular text, use the same absolute value for top and bottom text (e.g., +100 and -100) so the arcs match.
7Popular Use Cases
Logo Badges
Company or team name curved around a circular logo or emblem.
Product Labels
Brand names or product info curved around circular packaging.
Event Graphics
Event names arched over dates or venue information.
Social Media Posts
Eye-catching curved headlines for Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook.
Stamps & Seals
Circular seal designs with text wrapping around the edge.
T-Shirt Designs
Retro-style arched text for merchandise and apparel.