Canva offers a simple way to create a website, and a key feature for a professional online presence is using a custom domain. This feature is available to users with a Canva Pro or Canva Teams subscription.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use domains on Canva:

Step 1: Create Your Website in Canva
First, you need to design your website in Canva. You can start with a template or create one from scratch. Canva websites are typically single-page sites, ideal for portfolios, landing pages, or small business sites.

Step 2: Publish Your Website
Once your website design is complete, you'll need to publish it. In the Canva editor, look for the "Publish Website" button, usually located in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Choose Your Domain Option
After clicking "Publish Website," you will be presented with a few options for your domain:

Free Domain: This is the default option for all users (including free accounts). Your website will be published on a subdomain like your-username.my.canva.site.

Buy a New Domain: Canva allows you to purchase a domain name directly through its platform. This is a convenient option if you don't already own a domain.

Use Your Existing Domain: This is the option you'll use if you have a domain name you've already purchased from a registrar like GoDaddy, Namecheap, Hostinger, or Squarespace. This is the most common use case for a custom domain.

Step 4: Connect Your Existing Domain
If you choose to use an existing domain, you'll need to follow the instructions provided by Canva to update your DNS settings. This is the most technical part of the process, but Canva provides a clear, step-by-step guide.

Canva will provide you with DNS records: This typically includes one or more A records and a TXT record. You will need to copy these records.

Log in to your domain registrar's account: Go to your registrar's website and find the "DNS settings" or "DNS management" section for your domain.

Update your DNS records: You will need to add the records provided by Canva. This often involves replacing existing A records and adding the TXT record for verification.

Verify the connection: Once you've updated the DNS records, return to Canva and click "Continue" or "Verify." The changes can take anywhere from a few minutes to up to 72 hours to fully propagate across the internet. Canva will often send you an email when the verification is complete.

Important Notes:
Canva Pro or Teams is Required: You must have a paid Canva Pro or Canva Teams subscription to connect your own custom domain. The free version only allows you to use a free Canva subdomain.

Domain Ownership: You must already own the domain name you want to connect to Canva.

Troubleshooting: If your website isn't loading after the recommended waiting period, double-check that you've correctly entered the DNS records. You may need to remove any conflicting records from your domain registrar's settings.