Stop Wasting Time on Canva’s Broken Search: Here’s the Only Method That Actually Works (Complete Guide)
If you’ve been using Canva for a while, you’ve probably noticed one thing getting worse with every update—the search function. What used to be a simple way to discover clean graphics, consistent elements, and quality assets has slowly turned into a cluttered feed filled with random AI-generated images you didn’t ask for.
Whether you’re trying to find matching icons, professional illustrations, or clean background graphics, the search bar now returns everything except what you’re looking for.
But here’s the good news:
There is a smart workaround—one that many experienced Canva users quietly rely on to find high-quality graphics, consistent styles, and original elements that actually look good in designs.
And today, you’re getting the complete guide.
Why Canva’s Search Feels So Bad Now
Canva has been pushing heavy AI integration into its entire platform. Unfortunately, that means:
- Your searches return AI images instead of real illustrations
- Styles get mixed together in strange ways
- Finding matching elements is harder
- The asset library feels disorganized
- Good, original creators are buried under AI noise
For designers who want clean, consistent assets, the search bar has become more frustrating than helpful.
So instead of fighting the search algorithm, smart Canva users have found a different, more reliable method.
The Only Effective Way to Find High-Quality Elements on Canva (Step-by-Step)
This method takes advantage of something Canva still does extremely well—organizing asset catalogs by creator. Every graphic, illustration, or photo on Canva belongs to a creator portfolio, and those portfolios contain dozens or even hundreds of similar assets in the same style.
Here’s how to access them.
Step 1: Tap the Asset You Like and Open Its Info
Whenever you come across a graphic, photo, illustration, or background that looks great, don’t just drag it onto your design.
Instead:
- Click or tap the asset
- Scroll down
- Open the Info tab
This section reveals details about where the asset came from and how to find more like it.
Step 2: Look for “View more from…” (The Hidden Goldmine)
Under the asset name, you’ll see something important:
"View more from…"
It doesn’t look clickable on the mobile app, but it is.
Tap it.
You’ll instantly open the creator’s full catalog—hundreds of related elements designed in the exact same style, color palette, and visual language.
This is the fastest way to find:
- Matching icons
- Full illustration sets
- Consistent background styles
- Character packs
- Line-art collections
- Themed sticker sets
- Scene builders
- Pattern packs
Instead of scrolling through random, mismatched search results, you now have a clean, organized library created by one designer.
Step 3: Check the Keywords in the Info Section
While you’re still in the Info menu, scroll down to the keyword list.
Creators often tag their assets with very specific design keywords—much better than Canva’s generic tagging system. These keywords help you:
- Find more assets in the same style
- Discover similar creators
- Search smarter
- Avoid AI-generated clutter
- Build consistent designs faster
If you’re trying to create a cohesive design, these keywords are a lifesaver.
Bonus Method: Explore Pre-Made Designs to Discover High-Quality Elements
Another overlooked trick is browsing Canva’s pre-designed templates—not to use them, but to discover hidden gems.
Here’s why this works:
This method helps you bypass all the low-quality or irrelevant AI results in the search feed.
Recommended Creator to Look Up: Sketchify
Among the many creators on Canva, Sketchify stands out as one of the most consistent and reliable sources for clean, original, high-quality graphics.
They have:
- A massive variety of elements
- A consistent, polished style
- Multiple versions of similar graphics
- A well-organized catalog
If you struggle with Canva’s search results, exploring Sketchify’s portfolio alone can save you hours.
Final Tip: “Star” Your Favorite Creators
Once you discover a creator with a style you love, don’t forget to favorite (star) their elements.
Why this matters:
- Canva saves the creator under your Favorites
- You can instantly return to their full catalog
- You never lose track of a particular style
- Your workflow becomes 10× faster
- You avoid search results entirely
Think of it like building your own private Canva library.
Why This Method Works Better Than the Search Bar
Here’s the truth:
In other words, this method restores the clean, organized, high-quality experience that Canva’s search used to provide.
Conclusion: Canva Search May Be Broken, But You Don’t Have to Struggle
Even though Canva’s built-in search has become cluttered and unreliable, you still have a powerful way to find the right graphics—by tapping into the creator catalogs hidden inside every asset.
Just remember:
- Open the Info tab
- Tap “View more from…”
- Explore keywords
- Browse premade templates
- Favorite the best creators
Do this consistently, and you’ll never waste time scrolling through random, irrelevant search results again.
This is the exact strategy experienced Canva users rely on—and now you can too.
