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How do I select all frames in Canva?

Published in Canva Design 4 mins read

To select multiple frames, or even all elements including frames, in Canva, you can utilize several intuitive methods. While there isn't a specific "select only all frames" button, the general object selection techniques are highly effective and apply directly to frames. These methods allow you to quickly group, move, or edit multiple frames simultaneously.


How Do I Select All Frames in Canva?

You can effectively select multiple frames in Canva using standard multi-object selection techniques. If your goal is to select every single element on your current design page, including all frames, a universal keyboard shortcut is available. For selecting specific frames or groups of frames among other elements, the click-and-drag and Shift+click methods are ideal.

The principles for selecting multiple objects in Canva, as demonstrated in various tutorials like "Select multiple objects in Canva | Canva tutorial for beginners," are directly applicable to frames.

Methods to Select Multiple Frames (and Other Objects) in Canva

Here are the primary ways to select frames in Canva:

1. Using the Click-and-Drag Selection Box

This is one of the most common and efficient ways to select multiple items, including frames, that are close to each other.

  • How to Use:
    1. Click on an empty area of your canvas.
    2. Hold down your mouse button and drag your cursor to create a selection box (a dotted rectangle) around all the frames you wish to select.
    3. Release the mouse button once all desired frames are within the selection box.
  • When to Use: Ideal for selecting a cluster of frames or when frames are the dominant elements in a particular area.

2. Using Shift + Click for Individual Selection

This method gives you precise control over which frames you select, allowing you to pick and choose non-adjacent elements.

  • How to Use:
    1. Click on the first frame you want to select.
    2. Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
    3. While holding Shift, click on each additional frame you want to add to your selection.
    4. Release the Shift key once all desired frames are selected.
  • When to Use: Perfect for selecting frames that are scattered across the canvas or when you need to exclude certain elements from your selection.

3. Using Ctrl/Cmd + A (Select All Elements)

This shortcut is the quickest way to select all elements on your current design page, which will include all frames present.

  • How to Use:
    1. Ensure you are on the design page where the frames are located.
    2. Press Ctrl + A (on Windows) or Cmd + A (on Mac) on your keyboard.
  • When to Use: Use this when you want to select every single item on the page, including all frames, text, images, and other design elements, perhaps to resize, move, or duplicate everything.

4. Utilizing the Layers Panel (Position Panel)

For more complex designs with many overlapping elements, the Layers panel provides an organized way to select specific items.

  • How to Use:
    1. Click on an element, then look for the Position button in the top toolbar. Clicking it usually reveals options like arranging layers or, in some Canva versions, a dedicated "Layers" tab or panel.
    2. In the Position or Layers panel, you'll see a list of all elements on your page.
    3. Click on the specific frame(s) you want to select from the list. To select multiple, you can often Shift + Click or Ctrl/Cmd + Click on the names in the list.
  • When to Use: Best for designs with many layers, hidden elements, or when you need to select frames that are difficult to access via direct clicking on the canvas.

Summary of Selection Methods

Method How It Works Best For
Click-and-Drag Draw a box around desired frames. Selecting groups of nearby frames.
Shift + Click Select first, then hold Shift and click others. Selecting specific, non-adjacent frames.
Ctrl/Cmd + A Keyboard shortcut (Ctrl/Cmd + A). Selecting ALL elements on the page (includes all frames).
Layers (Position) Panel Select elements from a list in the side panel. Selecting specific frames in complex, layered designs, or hidden elements.

Tips for Efficient Frame Selection

  • Grouping: After selecting multiple frames, you can group them together by clicking the Group button in the toolbar. This allows them to be moved or resized as a single unit.
  • Locking: If you want to prevent certain frames from being accidentally selected or moved, you can lock them by selecting the frame(s) and clicking the Lock icon in the toolbar.
  • Right-Click Options: Right-clicking on a selected frame often brings up a context menu with quick options like duplicating, layering, or grouping.

By using these methods, you can efficiently select any number of frames in your Canva designs, streamlining your workflow.