Simple instructions for project success:

🛠 Phase 1: The Setup

• Open the Template: Click the template link and select "Use template for new design."

• Rename Your Project: Immediately change the title at the top. Be sure to include your last name.

  • • suggestion: Lastname_HistoryProject. 

• Upload Your Assets: Go to the Uploads tab and bring in all your family photos, maps, and scanned documents.

✍️ Phase 2: Building the Story

• Fill the Frames: Drag your photos into the existing frames (don't just paste them on top!).

• Edit the Text: Double-click the text boxes to replace the "Latin/Placeholder" text with your research and family's specific history.

  1. • Add text boxes where needed. 

     • Don't forget to delete unused text boxes.

• Customize (Optional): Add "Elements" like stamps, vintage tape, or icons to make it suit you and your family's story.

  1. • Change colors, fonts, backgrounds, and more!

🎙 Phase 3: Adding the Voiceover

• Write Your Script: Use the text on the page as a guide, but don't just read it word-for-word. Tell the story!

• Record: Go to Uploads > Record Yourself. Record one page at a time to keep it manageable.

• Review: Play back your video to make sure the timing of the page matches your voice.

📥 Phase 4: Exporting & Submitting (The MP4 Method)

• Note: DO NOT send a "View Link"—your teacher needs the actual video file.

• Check Total Length: Look at the timeline at the bottom to ensure all pages are visible.

• Hit Share: Click the Share button in the top right corner.

• Select Download: Choose File Type: MP4 Video.

• Quality Check: Ensure "All Pages" is checked and Quality is set to 1080p.

• Save & Upload: Once the file downloads to your Chromebook, upload that .mp4 file to Google Classroom.

🛠 Canva Project: Troubleshooting FAQ

1. "My photos look blurry!"

• The Fix: If you are using a photo from the internet, it might be too small. Try to find a larger version or use the "Image Enhancer" (under Edit Photo > Magic Studio).

• Pro Tip: If you’re scanning old family photos, make sure your camera lens is clean and you have bright, natural light. Don't "zoom in" with your phone camera; move the phone closer instead.

2. "My audio is cutting off or out of sync!"

• The Fix: Canva sometimes struggles with long, single audio tracks. Split your recording into one clip per page.

• The "Split" Trick: If a video clip's audio is acting weird, right-click the page at the bottom and select "Split Page" at the very beginning (0.5 seconds in). This often "resets" the audio sync for the rest of the clip.

3. "Canva won't let me download my MP4!"

• Internet Connection: MP4s are large files. If the download bar freezes, try moving closer to the Wi-Fi router or refreshing your browser (Canva saves your work automatically).

• Broken Elements: Sometimes one specific image or sticker "breaks." Try downloading pages 1–5 separately, then 6–10. If one half works and the other doesn't, you know which page has the problem!

4. "My voiceover sounds fuzzy or quiet."

• The Fix: Use the "Enhance Voice" tool! Click your audio track at the bottom, click Volume, and select Enhance Voice. This magically removes background hum and makes your voice clearer.

• Environment: If you haven't recorded yet, record in a room with carpet and curtains (or a closet!). Hard surfaces like kitchens make your voice "echo."

5. "I accidentally deleted a page/photo!"

• The Fix: Don't panic. Use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) to undo.

• The Trash Bin: If you deleted an uploaded photo, it’s still in your Uploads tab. If you deleted a whole page and didn't catch it in time, check the File > Version History (if available) or check the "Trash" folder on your Canva homepage.