# How to Highlight Words in Canva

> To highlight words in Canva, open an existing design, click the text box, select 'Effects' on the toolbar, and choose 'Background' in the effects panel. Finally, customize the highlight using the sliders and color options, then click 'Share' to save your work.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-highlight-words-in-canva/
Apps: Canva
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a3f75ab56e05a00fe75bf/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Open an existing design.
2. Click the text box.
3. Select 'Effects' located at the above toolbar.
4. When you click on the Effects button, the Canva text effects panel will open on the left side of your workspace.
5. Scroll down in the effects panel and click on the 'Background' button.
6. Once clicked, your text will be highlighted, and three sliders and a color options box will open below the Background button.
7. Customize your highlighted word. You can adjust the sliders for roundness, spread, and transparency.
8. If you need to choose a different color, click on the color box.
9. The color options panel will open – simply click on a color and the highlighted area in your workspace will be adapted accordingly.
10. Click 'Share' to save your work. Your highlighted word is going to give your reader the ability to easily notice and digest your information.