Canva PDF links do not work: check flattening and destinations
Check the downloaded format, flattening option, and destination permissions when a Canva PDF link does nothing or opens the wrong page.
For clickable links, download the Canva design as a PDF with flattening off and open that saved file in a PDF reader. PNG, JPG, and MP4 exports do not preserve links in the same way. If a link opens an access-denied page, the link works; the destination's sharing permission needs attention.
In this guide
Canva PDFs intended to contain clickable links. Image and video exports do not preserve PDF-style interactivity.
Download a PDF with flattening turned off
Try one link before editing every destination in a long document. Use a new filename for the download so you do not accidentally check an older copy.
Match the symptom to the cause
| What happens | Check |
|---|---|
| Clicking does nothing | Download format, flattening, and whether the element has a link |
| The wrong website opens | The address saved on that element |
| A sign-in or access-denied page opens | The reader's permission to open the destination |
Underlined text can look like a link without having a destination attached. Inspect the element in the editor rather than relying on its appearance.
Check the link in Canva
Select the text or element and inspect its destination. Canva documents More > Link for adding an address. If several objects overlap, make sure you have selected the one the reader will click. See Canva's hyperlink guide.
Correct the address, download a fresh unflattened PDF, and try it in a PDF reader. If plain text links work but styled text does not, follow the text-effects troubleshooting linked from Canva's guide.
Check access to linked designs
A PDF link does not grant access to another Canva design. The owner of that destination must share it with the intended reader, using view, comment, or edit access as appropriate. Canva explains those choices in its sharing guide.
Do not make a private client design publicly editable to remove a sign-in prompt. Check the recipient's account and permission instead.
Send the file you checked
Attach the PDF itself when links matter. A screenshot or social-media image of a page loses that interactivity, and a messaging service may offer to send an upload as an image instead of a file.
Open the final attachment once more and try its links. For soft text or images rather than broken links, see blurry Canva downloads.
Sources
Based on official documentation; not independently tested. Sources checked Sep 27, 2026. How we review guides
Something out of date? Let us know.
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