How to Make a Digital Paper Doll in Canva (Mini Me Tutorial), by Classnotes with Nicole on YouTube. 9 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Open the paper doll template in Canva, or start a blank square design. Upload your selfie with Uploads, then drag the photo onto the canvas.
Go to Elements and add a doll body, or use the body already in the template. Place it under your photo so the neck and shoulders line up.
Select your selfie, open Edit photo and use Background Remover to cut out your face and hair. Crop and resize the head until it sits naturally on the body.
Choose a background from Elements or upload your own image. Send it to the back so the doll stays in front of it.
Open the outfits section and drag a dress, top or shoes onto the doll. Resize each piece, layer it over the body, then group the outfit so it moves as one.
Apply the same art style or filter to the doll and the clothes so everything matches. Keep that style across all outfits for a consistent look.
Select the doll, open Animate and pick the Wiggle style to give it a gentle sway. Play the design to check the motion.
Animate the outfit pieces with a slide or pop effect so the clothes appear to fly onto the doll.
Add a scene animation to the background so the whole page moves together. Preview it in full screen before you export.
Click Share, then Download. Pick PDF Print for a printable doll or MP4 Video for Instagram, or copy the share link to play the animations.
Tips and common mistakes
Free Canva users can open the template, but Pro elements show a watermark until you swap them for free alternatives.
Use a selfie with a plain background so the background remover gives a clean edge around your hair.
Group each outfit before animating, or the pieces will drift apart when the animation plays.
If you print and cut out the doll, use small sharp scissors and cut away from your fingers.
Questions
Do I need Canva Pro to make a paper doll?
No. You can build the whole doll on the free plan. Pro elements in the template will show a watermark until you replace them with free ones.
Can I print the paper doll?
Yes. Download the design as PDF Print and print it on cardstock, then cut around the outline.
How do I share the doll as a game?
Use the Share button to copy a link and send it to someone. Open the link in full screen so the animations play when they click through.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
