How to Make Your Own Printables (Step-by-Step!)
Blogging has changed.
You can’t just write a few words, publish an article, and then expect it to do well anymore.
There are so many things you have to do before and after publishing a post.
In recent years, printables are becoming wildly popular as a way to value-add to your blog posts.
I don’t know about you, I can’t even draw a stickman properly. I doubt that I even have an ounce of artistic flair in my body.
I’m not being negative guys, it’s just being aware of the truth.
I really respect artists as a result. 😛
Yet in this post, I’ll show you how you can make your own printable even if you don’t see yourself as an artsy person… it’s actually really easy!
How to make your own printables 101
There are many tools you can use to create your printable. Here are some of them:
- Microsoft Word / Pages
- Microsoft Powerpoint / Keynote
- Canva
- Picmonkey
- Photoshop
Right now, I use Microsoft Word and Photoshop.
But you can use any of these tools.
When I first started, I used Canva and it was really easy to use as well.
Just make that printable!
Let me kick off this post by saying that the best way to do this is to practice, practice, practice.
Inevitably, the first couple of printables you create may not be the best ones. But they are essential for you to improve your skills.
So stop procrastinating, open up a program that you have, and start de-si-gn-ing!
How to make your own printables using Microsoft Word
I typically use Microsoft Word for the more word-intensive printables.
Here is an example of something recent that I did with Word: 250 best email subject lines.
Simple, but professional, right? 🙂
I love using Word because it makes the creation process REALLY easy.
1. Create your cover page
You need a background for this. I typically use a shape and drag it to fill the entire first page.
This can be done by clicking on Insert > Shape > Rectangle.
Or you can add in an image of your own as well, via Insert > Pictures!
Relevant posts:
- Where To Find High Quality Stock Photos For Free
- 30 Cool Places To Find Free Feminine Styled Stock Photos
2. Add text boxes where appropriate
You can then insert text boxes via Insert > Text boxes for the words on your cover page.
Remember to use your brand fonts and colors!
Between the background, adding images, and your words, it may take you a while to come up with something you like.
Relevant post: Boring Brand? Here’s 9 Tips to Make Your Brand Stand Out from the Noise
3. Customize the header and footer
The way Microsoft Word works, you can configure a default header and footer that will be “fixed” at the top and bottom of every page.
You can change this by double-clicking on the header and footer of every page, or by clicking on View > Header and Footer
4. Add in your content!
Once you’re done with the above steps, you can add to your content from page 2 onwards, as you would to a normal Word document.
5. Export as PDF
When you’re ready to save it as a PDF, go to “File” > “Save As” and save the file as a PDF.
There you have it!
How to make your own printables using Canva
Canva is a free tool that you can use to create your printables as well.
The great thing about Canva is that anyone can use it to create something amazing! They have a bunch of pre-made templates that you can use as well.
1. Choose the dimensions for your printable
This would likely either be an A4 Document or a US Letter Document.
2. Choose from pre-made templates, or make your own.
Once you select your desired dimensions, you can pick a template from the left:
3. Add in images, elements, text.
Whether you’ve chosen a template or not, toggle through the tabs on the left to add images, backgrounds, text and more.
I find the user interface rather self-explanatory.
Here is where you can find the stuff:
- Add an image: Under “Elements”
- Add graphics: Under “Elements”
- Add text: Under “Text
- Add an overlay: Under “Elements > Shapes”
You can pick from a wide selection of images that Canva has or you can upload your own under the “Uploads” tab.
In the editor, you will easily be able to change font colors, font sizes, font faces, and more.
4. Click on “Add a new page” if you want to!
Once you’re done with the first page, you can add a second page (and more) by clicking on the “Add a new page” button.
5. Once you’re done, save and download as PDF
Click on the big “Publish” button on the top right-hand corner and click on “Download as PDF”.
You’ll be able to download your new printable!
Don’t forget to save your file so that you can use this template for future printables.
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How to make your own printable using Powerpoint
This works similarly to how you can make printables using Microsoft Word.
1. Select Dimensions
By default, a powerpoint presentation will be horizontal.
Go to File > Page Setup to change your file dimensions if you want to change your file to a vertical file instead.
2. Add a background
Depending on the version of Microsoft Powerpoint you are using, you want to format your background.
Right click on your slide and click on “Format Background”. Select “Picture or texture fill”.
You will be able to insert an image as a background if you want to.
Otherwise, you can click on “Solid Fill” if you want a solid color as your background.
3. Insert pictures
Aside from your background image, you may want to insert additional pictures.
You can easily do this using “Insert” > “Picture” > “Picture From File” from the top menu.
Rinse and repeat this for all your other powerpoint slides, where 1 slide = 1 page.
You can change the size of the image by clicking on the picture and dragging the corners.
Click on the “Picture Format” tab on top to further edit your image and how it looks like.
4. Insert text
You can add text throughout your powerpoint document using “Insert” > “Text box”.
By adding images, text, and backgrounds, edit until you are happy with the final results.
5. Export as PDF
When you’re ready to save it as a PDF, go to “File” > “Export” and export the file as a PDF.
6. Additional Resource: Video
Check out this video for additional help on how you can make your own printable with Powerpoint!
Summary
The Ultimate Guide: How To Create Your Own Printables Using Microsoft Word, Canva, and Microsoft Powerpoint!Click To TweetThere you go! It may be hard the first time around but once you get the hang of things, you will be able to create your own printables very easily.
After you’ve created your first printable, be sure to save the raw file somewhere on your computer (or in your Canva account, if you’re using Canva).
The next time you want to make another printable, all you have to do is to open the old file, save it under a new name and then create a new printable using your old one as a starting template.
As time passes, you will find that making your own printables gets easier and easier as you have more and more templates to start with.
If you enjoyed this post, share it!
Thank you! Happy creating. 🙂
xx Raelyn
Styled stock photos are usually very expensive – but here is a compilation of 21 places where you can get >100 styled stock photos for free! You can use these images to take your printables to the next level without much additional effort!
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Thank you so much!
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