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A Guide to Better Text Legibility & How to Make Text Bold in Canva (When There Is No Bold Option)

canva canva tips design design guide using text in design Mar 01, 2025

The image showcases a stylish interior design scene with a framed text-based print on the wall reading "HOW BOLD YOU GO" in a serif font with decorative effects. To the left, a text box says "Using text effects to control →", directing attention to the framed text. The design emphasizes typography effects as a way to manipulate boldness when traditional bold styling isn't available. The setting includes a light blue velvet chair, a side table with books and a potted plant, a modern pink pendant light, and additional greenery, creating a cozy and elegant aesthetic.

Your text needs to be easy to read within your design – whether it’s on a social media post, a presentation, or marketing material. The first recommended action we usually reach for is to make the text bold. But what happens when you select your font in Canva and the bold option is greyed out? Don’t worry – there’s an easy workaround to make your text pop while keeping your design clean and professional.

Why Text Legibility Matters

People scroll fast – and if they can’t read your message instantly, they’ll move on. Bold text helps:

Improve readability – No one should have to squint or zoom in to read your text.
Create emphasis – Make key words or phrases stand out.
Enhance design hierarchy – Guide the viewer’s eye through your content.

Five Ways to Improve Text Legibility in Canva

Before we jump into the bolding workaround, let’s talk about the foundations of readable text. Bold isn’t the only tool that makes text easier to read. Here are five key ways to balance clarity with design:

Size – Your text should be big enough to read easily, even at a glance. If it’s too small, it won’t matter how bold it is.
Hierarchy – The most important text should stand out first. Think of it like a book title that grabs attention, a subtitle that provides more detail, and body text that delivers the full message – each with a clear size difference to guide the reader naturally.
Contrast – Dark text on a light background, or vice versa, makes reading effortless. Avoid colors that blend together.
Background – Text should stand out, not fight for attention. If the image is too busy, add a plain color behind the text, place it over an uncluttered area, or lower the image opacity so it’s less distracting.
Make it BOLD – If your font doesn’t have a bold option, use Canva’s Outline Effect to achieve a similar result. Here’s how:

How to Make Text Bold in Canva (When There Is No Bold Option)

Not all fonts in Canva come with a bold option. If the bold button is greyed out, it means your chosen font doesn’t have a built-in bold version. Here’s how to fake the bold effect using Canva’s Outline feature:

Step 1: Select Your Text

Click on the text box in your Canva design.
Make sure the font you’re using doesn’t already have a bold version available (some fonts include multiple weights like Light, Regular, Bold, and Black).

Step 2: Open the Effects Panel

With your text selected, go to the Effects tab at the top of Canva.
Click on Outline to apply the effect.

Step 3: Match the Outline Color to Your Text

In the Outline settings, select the same colour as your text.
This creates the illusion of thicker, bolder text without adding an actual outline.

Step 4: Adjust the Thickness

Canva allows you to change the thickness of the outline.
Start with a small amount and increase it until your text looks naturally bold without distorting the font.
You can try a setting between 16-20, but each font reacts differently to the Outline effect, so adjust gradually to find the right balance.

Things to Watch Out For

Font Design Limitations – Some fonts don’t respond well to the Outline effect, especially if they have thin strokes or decorative elements.
Not a Perfect Substitute – This trick won’t look exactly like a true bold weight, but it’s a great alternative when needed.
Test for Readability – Always zoom out and check if your text remains clear at smaller sizes.

In a nutshell...

If Canva doesn’t give you a bold option for your chosen font, you don’t have to switch fonts or settle for thinner text. With the Outline effect, you can create a bold look while keeping your design balanced.

🎨 Enjoy creating!