Content Import Pipeline

Bulk import content into Canva designs using the Connect API.

Overview

The Connect API's asset upload and design import endpoints enable programmatic content ingestion.

Asset Upload Flow

// 1. Create upload job
const uploadJob = await fetch('https://api.canva.com/rest/v1/assets/upload', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}`,
    'Content-Type': 'application/json',
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    name: 'my-asset.jpg',
    asset_type: 'image',
  }),
});

const { job_id } = await uploadJob.json();

// 2. Upload the file to the provided URL
// (Canva returns a pre-signed URL for direct upload)

// 3. Poll for completion
let asset;
while (!asset) {
  await sleep(1000);
  const statusRes = await fetch(
    `https://api.canva.com/rest/v1/assets/upload/${job_id}`,
    { headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}` } }
  );
  const status = await statusRes.json();
  if (status.status === 'success') {
    asset = status.asset;
  }
}

console.log('Asset ID:', asset.id);

Design Import Flow

Import an existing file (PDF, PPTX, etc.) as a Canva design:

const importJob = await fetch('https://api.canva.com/rest/v1/designs/import', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Authorization': `Bearer ${accessToken}` },
  // multipart form with the file
});

// Poll until complete, then use design_id

Batch Processing

For large volumes, implement a queue:

1. Upload assets in parallel (up to 10 concurrent)
2. Track job IDs
3. Poll in batches
4. Handle failures with retry logic
5. Log all operations for auditing