Designing your magazine in Canva or InDesign (no designer needed)
3 min read
You don't need a design degree to make a magazine that looks tidy. You need a few rules and the discipline to stick to them.
Pick a tool
Canva. Browser-based, lots of templates, easy to share. Good for 8 to 32 pages, and for teams of volunteers.
InDesign. More control over text flow, master pages and print output. Better if you have a long, regular issue and someone willing to learn it.
Either can export a PDF that works as a flipbook. The tool matters less than having one template you reuse every time.
Set up once
Create a master template with:
- Page size and margins.
- A one- or two-column grid.
- Headline, standfirst, body, caption and pull-quote styles.
- Your logo and colours.
- Page numbers and a running header.
Every issue starts from this file. The consistency does more for your magazine than any individual design flourish.
Fonts
Two fonts. One for headlines, one for body text. Pick fonts that are clear on screen. Use bold and size for hierarchy, not extra fonts.
| Element | Suggested size |
|---|---|
| Headline | 28 to 36 pt |
| Standfirst | 14 to 16 pt |
| Body | 10 to 11 pt |
| Caption | 8 to 9 pt, but test on a phone |
Colour
One main colour taken from your logo, plus black and white. Use the accent for headlines, rules and pull-quotes. Make sure text has enough contrast with its background.
White space
Leave margins and gaps between sections. Cramming more onto a page makes it harder to read. If an article is long, give it more pages.
Images
- Use high-resolution images.
- Crop with intention: close on people, wide on places.
- Make the same shape and style across the issue.
- Add a caption and a credit.
- Add alt text where your tool allows it, or in an accessibility pass.
Pages that read on a phone
Many members will open the issue on a phone. Check:
- Body text isn't smaller than about 10 pt.
- One column is easier than three.
- Captions and tables are legible when zoomed.
- Links are big enough to tap.
Check before export
- Spelling and names.
- All images appear.
- Links work.
- Page numbers match the contents.
- File size is reasonable.
Hire help for the right job
If budget allows, pay a designer once to set up your template, then use it yourself. It costs less than paying for every issue and gives you a professional base.
Next
When it's done, turn it into a flipbook.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use Canva or InDesign?
Canva is easier to start with and good for short issues. InDesign suits longer, more complex layouts and teams with design experience.
What size should the pages be?
For digital-only, a portrait page such as A4 or US Letter works well. If you may print later, set up for print from the start.
How many fonts should I use?
Two is enough: one for headlines, one for body text.
How do I make sure it reads well on a phone?
Use text at least 10 to 11 points, a single column and avoid tiny captions.
