How to Make a Chart in Canva From Google Sheets: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a chart in Canva from Google Sheets is one of the easiest and most effective ways to present your data visually. Whether you’re working on a report, presentation, or social media post, this integration can save you time and help you build beautiful, data-driven graphics in just a few clicks.
Canva is a powerful online design tool that allows users to create professional designs with ease. Google Sheets, on the other hand, is a cloud-based spreadsheet program perfect for organizing and managing data. When combined, these two tools allow you to import data directly from Google Sheets and transform it into visually appealing charts right inside Canva—no need for manual copy-pasting!
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about how to make a chart in Canva from Google Sheets.
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Why Connect Google Sheets to Canva?
Linking Google Sheets to Canva means:
- No more manual data entry
- Instant chart updates when your data changes
- Professional and customizable visualizations
- Seamless collaboration and sharing
This integration is perfect for marketers, educators, small business owners, students, and anyone who works with data.
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Step 1: Create Your Google Sheets Document
Before diving into Canva, make sure your data is ready.
- Head over to Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet.
- Enter your data in an organized format—columns for categories and rows for values.
- Label each column clearly so Canva can identify your data points.
- Double-check that there are no empty rows or columns within your data range.
Tip: Format your data in Google Sheets to improve readability, such as using bold headers or color-coding values with conditional formatting.
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Step 2: Connect Google Sheets to Canva
Now that your data is set, it's time to bring it into Canva.
Here’s how to do it:
- Open Canva and start a new design (presentation, infographic, or any layout you prefer).
- From the left-hand toolbar, click “Apps” and select “Charts.”
- Click “Import Data” and choose Google Sheets.
- Sign in to your Google account if prompted.
- Browse your files and select the Google Sheets document with your data.
- Pick the worksheet and data range you want to use.
That’s it! Your data is now synced with Canva and ready to be visualized.
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Step 3: Choose the Right Chart Type
Canva offers a variety of chart types to fit your data and message. When deciding which one to use, ask yourself: What story am I trying to tell with this data?
Here are some options:
- Bar Chart: Great for comparing different categories.
- Line Chart: Ideal for showing trends over time.
- Pie Chart: Best for showing proportions and percentages.
- Area Chart: Combines line and bar features, good for cumulative data.
- Scatter Plot: Used to show relationships between two variables.
Choose the type that best represents your data story and audience needs.
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Step 4: Customize Your Chart in Canva
This is where the magic happens. Canva makes it easy to adjust your chart’s appearance to match your brand or design theme.
Here’s what you can customize:
- Colors: Change the chart’s palette to suit your design or brand identity.
- Fonts: Adjust fonts for titles, labels, and tooltips for better readability.
- Background: Add a background image, color, or texture for extra impact.
- Icons and illustrations: Include relevant visuals to enhance clarity or interest.
Keep your design clean. Use contrast to make your data pop, and avoid overcrowding the chart with unnecessary elements.
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Step 5: Add or Update Data in Google Sheets
Need to change your data? No problem.
- Go back to your Google Sheets document.
- Add or update the numbers, labels, or categories as needed.
- Save your changes (Google does this automatically).
Because Canva is synced with your spreadsheet, you can update your chart with just one click.
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Step 6: Refresh Your Chart in Canva
Once you’ve updated your spreadsheet:
- Return to your Canva design.
- Click on the chart you want to update.
- Click “Edit Data” and then “Refresh” or select the updated range manually.
Canva will instantly reflect the changes in your chart—no reimporting required.
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Step 7: Finalize Your Chart Design
Before exporting or sharing your chart, make sure it looks polished and professional.
Checklist:
- Add a title and axis labels if applicable.
- Ensure consistent font usage across your design.
- Make sure the data is clear and readable.
- Consider adding a legend for clarity.
- Align your chart with the rest of your layout.
Once you're happy with the appearance, you’re ready to export or share.
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Exporting Your Chart
To use your chart in a report, website, or social media post, you can download it as an image or document.
Here’s how:
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Click the “Download” button in the top-right corner of Canva.
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Choose your desired format:
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PNG or JPG for images
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PDF for print-ready files
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Click Download and save the file to your computer.
Now you can insert it into presentations, documents, or print materials with ease.
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Sharing Your Chart With Others
Want to collaborate or get feedback?
You have several options:
- Share a link: Click the “Share” button and copy a view-only link to send via email or chat.
- Invite collaborators: Add teammates by email and assign access (view, comment, or edit).
- Publish directly: Share your chart to social media or embed it on a website.
Canva makes it easy to collaborate in real time—perfect for team projects or client presentations.
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Final Thoughts
Creating a chart in Canva from Google Sheets is a fast, efficient, and beautiful way to bring your data to life. With just a few steps, you can go from raw data in Google Sheets to a professional-quality chart ready for presentations, reports, or social media.
Whether you’re presenting business stats, school project results, or marketing metrics, this powerful integration between Canva and Google Sheets will save you time and elevate your design game.
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