Canon offers a range of free software to increase the scope of your crafting projects and support your creativity throughout the process. Whether it's a simple activity on a quiet evening, a family-friendly weekend project or a professional-looking design, there's something to light every creative spark.
For seamless connection between your smart devices and printer, the Canon PRINT app is an essential tool to effortlessly print, copy and scan, plus check your printer's status and any maintenance issues. It streamlines the process, and is compatible with a range of file types. You can even access and print photos directly from your social media or cloud storage. The Smartphone Capture and Copy function also means you can use your smartphone as a scanner, which is great for scanning kids' artwork to either save or print, correcting any distortions as you go.
Crafters can find a plethora of resources to create everything from ornaments to pop-up cards and toys on Canon Creative Park and it's free to register. Some templates are simple and don't require scissors – ideal for youngsters – while others are more advanced for experienced crafters who relish a challenge.
For those keen to use their skill to produce promotional material, Canon PosterArtist is a user-friendly tool for bringing posters, banners and other designs to life. Whether it's signage for your business, flyers for a school play or menus for an event, it provides access to auto-generated design proposals, templates and millions of free stock photos to give your creations that professional edge. The software is compatible with a range of Canon printers, including the imagePROGRAF, PIXMA, MAXIFY and i-SENSYS series.
Canon also has options specifically for photos. The Canon Easy-PhotoPrint Editor is compatible with PIXMA and MAXIFY printers, and allows you to create collages, calendars, wrapping paper designs and more. You can also add speech bubbles, symbols, text and frames to your photos.
For compatible Canon SELPHY printers, the SELPHY Photo Layout app offers layout and design tips, and allows you to add filters, borders and even QR codes. It lets you print customised photos, stickers and bookmarks direct from a single mobile app – just scan your printer's QR code for instant Wi-Fi connection.
With so many ways to get creative, crafters can open up a whole new world with Canon's printers and creative apps. Whether you're at the start of your crafting journey and looking for inspiration to make quick, simple designs, keen to inspire your kids with interactive projects, or a professional crafter looking for new ways to streamline the process, there's never been a better time to get crafting.
Written by Kat Halstead