Canva Updates: Droptober is HERE!

Canva has once again raised the bar for digital design, and this October’s “Droptober” launch offers a host of new features tailored to simplify the workflow of educators and librarians. With powerful AI tools, expanded content, and practical resources, Canva’s newest updates are packed with potential for the classroom and library. Here’s a look at the highlights and how they can transform your day-to-day work.

1. Dream Lab: AI Image Generation Made Simple

Canva’s Dream Lab, powered by Leonardo.AI, lets you generate visually stunning images from simple text prompts. Imagine crafting unique visuals for lesson plans, digital displays, or storytime materials—all in seconds. The Dream Lab doesn’t just generate an image; it gives you creative control over styles, colors, and even themes, allowing you to produce professional-quality designs quickly.

However, there’s an ethical concern here that can’t be ignored: **AI image generation raises questions about the training data**. Much of this data includes work by artists who may not have given permission for their creations to be used in this way. As educators, librarians, and creators, we’re left to consider the broader implications of using these tools. It’s a complex issue, and where we stand may evolve as the conversation around fair use and creative rights develops.

For now, Dream Lab offers a powerful resource, but one that we should approach with an awareness of its impact on the artistic community.

2. Automatic Page Numbers (Finally!)

Let’s face it: adding page numbers manually in printable resources or book drafts can be tedious and frustrating. Canva’s new **automatic page numbering** feature solves this problem, letting you easily add consistent numbers throughout your documents. While the feature doesn’t yet allow for mass changes to font, size, or location, it still simplifies document formatting significantly. Now, instead of fussing with manual adjustments, you can focus on what matters most: creating valuable content for your students or patrons.

3. Branded Captions for Accessible Video Content

For those creating video content, the new branded captions feature makes it easy to add and style captions that align with your brand. Whether you’re producing educational videos or sharing updates, captions ensure accessibility and consistency. You can also animate and export captions, keeping your videos visually engaging and easily shareable. Branded captions support clearer communication, connecting with all viewers, including those who rely on captioning for comprehension.

Imagine creating captions that perfectly match your school’s branding, whether for an orientation video, lesson recap, or a virtual library tour. With branded captions, educators can produce polished, accessible content without additional video editing tools. This feature is also perfect for librarians creating “how-to” videos or book trailers, allowing for consistent and professional-looking content across all channels.

4. AI-Powered Whiteboards for Interactive Brainstorming

Canva’s Whiteboards have evolved to support dynamic classroom collaboration. With tools like Magic Write, you can generate summaries from brainstorms or group notes, turning raw ideas into actionable insights. Additionally, the new Sort feature organizes sticky notes by color, author, or theme, while real-time Reactions allow students to vote on ideas and select favorites. These updates are ideal for group projects, brainstorming sessions, or planning with staff, making collaborative work smoother and more engaging. With the sunsetting of Jamboard Canva is a real alternative and with this update is giving FigJam a run for its money.

5. Polls and Quizzes to Spark Engagement

Keeping students engaged is no easy task, but Canva’s new polls and quizzes can help. Integrated directly into the platform, these interactive tools allow you to gather feedback, check for understanding, or facilitate discussions in real time. With responses submitted directly in the editor or through a shared link, these features bring instant interactivity to presentations, worksheets, and even collaborative projects.

Will it replace Google Forms? No, but the ability to add Polls and Quizzes made me raise my eyebrow. I look forward to seeing this feature continue to develop. Note: This is not yet available but will be revealed soon!

6. Magic Write Enhancements: Refined Content Creation

One of Canva’s most popular features, Magic Write, has become even smarter. With updated capabilities, it now analyzes your entire document to generate suggestions that fit seamlessly with your content. This feature helps you refine writing, with commands like “more like this” or “this, but different,” allowing you to get exactly the results you’re looking for. It’s perfect for teachers needing a quick boost with content creation, from lesson plans to student guides.

7. Interactive and Engaging Data Visualization

Visualizing data is now easier and more interactive with Canva’s expanded chart options, including Area, Radar, Hierarchy, and Statistical Charts. These new chart types allow you to present data in accessible, engaging ways, whether you’re illustrating trends in reading habits or breaking down complex scientific data. With advanced animations, interactive elements, and Brand Kit styling, these charts elevate your content without extra effort, making learning experiences both visually and cognitively engaging.

Charts have continued to improve and I know my science and math friends will be very happy with the ability to create even more. Canva makes it possible to create really professional and slick looking products.  Pair it with Match and Move for customized animations for seamless transitions.

8. Google Workspace and Integration Tools

Streamlining workflow is essential, and Canva now integrates with Google Workspace apps, including Gmail, Docs, and Calendar. You can access and edit Canva designs directly within these apps, reducing the need to switch between platforms. While I’m happy to see that Google Workspace integration has occurred, it’s not a true integration. I wish I could actually embed Canva designs directly into an email rather than linking out, and within Google Drive, the integration functions more like a link rather than adding Canva’s functionality into Google products. A deeper, more seamless connection would be an incredible addition, letting users experience Canva’s full capabilities within Google’s ecosystem.

9. The Teacher Work Kit: Classroom Tools at Your Fingertips

Perhaps the most exciting update for educators, the Teacher Work Kit provides a curated collection of templates, organizational tools, and resources specifically designed for the classroom. With templates for everything from lesson plans to project-based learning resources, the kit makes it simple to create structured, engaging materials. Canva has also added real-world learning examples, giving teachers a solid foundation for enhancing their lessons. Less time spent on prep means more time for direct interaction and support in the classroom. Being able to sort and find all the education type stuff in one place is a HUGE improvement. While the search is very good I like things a bit more organized.

10. A Diverse and Inclusive Content Library

Canva’s dedication to inclusion shines through its expanded content library, with a new partnership with Pocstock, offering 150,000 images representing authentic diversity. For teachers and librarians, this collection ensures that all students see themselves represented in the materials they engage with, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

11. Spark Creativity with the Disney Collection

Canva’s new Disney collection invites you to add a touch of magic to your designs with over 300 templates featuring beloved characters like Elsa, Mickey Mouse, and Moana. Perfect for both personal and educational use, these templates make it easy to create engaging social media posts, invitations, classroom materials, and more. Teachers can bring lessons to life with Disney-themed visuals, while students get a fun way to express themselves. With the Disney collection, creativity knows no bounds—explore the possibilities at canva.com/disney.

These updates from Canva are more than just features—they’re tools that can transform how teachers and librarians create, communicate, and collaborate. While the Glowup earlier in the year updated the interface the Droptober is where it is at. With Dream Lab’s AI generation, automatic page numbers, and the Teacher Work Kit, Canva is making it easier than ever for educators to craft impactful, engaging resources that meet the needs of today’s learners. I cannot thank Canva enough for making their premium version available for educators so that we have professional tools to help students create professional creations! Whether you’re a teacher, librarian, or support staff, Canva’s newest features provide the power to bring your ideas to life with ease and precision. Ready, set, CREATE!