Canva, a brand templating platform, is returning to Berkeley Lab on October 1, 2026 as a centrally managed tool that makes it easier to create routine, professional communications using design-approved templates and Berkeley Lab branded resources. Employees can request access through the Berkeley Lab Software Distribution site and sign in using their Berkeley Lab identity.
There will be a Canva walk through and Q & A with Caitlin Youngquist, Creative Services Office (CSO) Manager on October 6, 2026 at 2:00. Register here.
“Canva is a great productivity tool that provides a way to quickly produce brand-compliant materials,” said Youngquist. “Our goal is to support everyday communication needs by making templates easy to access and use, while still maintaining the high level of quality people expect from our laboratory.”
Berkeley Lab Branded Canva Templates
While we are launching Canva with templates for flyers, social media, digital signage, and more will be added in the coming months created by the CSO team.
Berkeley Lab staff will be able to begin projects like internal flyers and monthly digital displays with an approved Berkeley Lab template and customize the content using the options provided. The Berkeley Lab templates are designed to handle many common design decisions while helping ensure that finished materials follow Berkeley Lab’s brand guidelines, allowing you to develop projects faster with less stress.
One of the benefits of the templates is that they will naturally create a consistent visual identity to strengthen communications and help audiences immediately recognize information as coming from Berkeley Lab. Regardless of the division or department creating the material, using the Berkeley Lab logo and approved brand elements supports a unified “One Lab, One Brand” approach.
Canva is One of your Design Options at the Lab
Canva is one of several options available at the Lab and does not replace CSO’s role at the Lab. High-profile, complex, externally visible, or strategically important projects should still be referred to CSO, who also develop specialized templates and brand kits.
Canva and Marq also serve different needs. Canva is particularly useful for routine digital content, while Marq may be a better choice for print projects, bulk production, data-driven materials, or work involving extensive photography.
By choosing the appropriate tool and starting with approved resources, staff can create effective communications more efficiently while presenting a clear and consistent Berkeley Lab identity.
