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Creating a new session

Creating a session is simple and quick. Here’s how to get started:
1

Access the sessions sidebar

Look for the sessions sidebar on the left side of the interface. This shows all your existing sessions and folders.
2

Click 'New Session'

Find and click the “New Session” button (usually a plus icon or button at the top of the sidebar).
You can also use keyboard shortcuts if available. Check the shortcuts guide for details.
3

Name your session

Enter a descriptive name for your session. Good names help you find and organize your work later.Good session names:
  • “Client Project - Website Images”
  • “Character Design Exploration”
  • “Social Media Campaign - Q4”
  • “Personal Art - Nature Series”
Less helpful names:
  • “Session 1”
  • “Test”
  • “New”
4

Start generating

Once created, your session is active and ready. Start generating images, and they’ll be saved to this session automatically.

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Naming best practices

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Be descriptive

Choose names that clearly indicate the session’s purpose:
  • Project-based: Include project name or identifier
  • Purpose-based: Describe what you’re creating
  • Client-based: Include client name if applicable
  • Date-based: Add dates for time-sensitive work

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Use consistent conventions

Establish a naming pattern that works for you:
  • Format examples:
    • [Project] - [Purpose]
    • [Client] - [Date]
    • [Category] - [Description]

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Keep it concise

While being descriptive, keep names reasonably short for easy scanning in your sidebar.

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Session options

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Creating in folders

You can create sessions directly within folders:
  1. Navigate to or create the desired folder
  2. Create a new session within that folder
  3. The session will be organized under that folder

Organizing Sessions

Learn more about folder organization.

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Default session

If you don’t select a session, Open Canva may create a default session or prompt you to create one before generating.

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Tips for session creation

Create before generating: Set up your session structure before starting to generate images.
Use templates: If you have recurring project types, create a naming template to follow.
Rename later: You can always rename sessions if you need to adjust the name.

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Managing sessions

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Renaming sessions

To rename an existing session:
  1. Right-click or use the session menu
  2. Select “Rename”
  3. Enter the new name
  4. Save changes

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Deleting sessions

To delete a session:
  1. Right-click or use the session menu
  2. Select “Delete”
  3. Confirm deletion
Deleting a session removes all generations within it. Make sure you’ve downloaded any images you want to keep.

Sessions Overview

Learn more about what sessions are and why to use them.

Organizing Sessions

Learn how to organize sessions with folders and structure.

Session History

View and manage your session history.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Learn shortcuts for faster session management.