Next, let’s add a cut-out activity to your book. We’ll use Scissor Lines to create cutting paths around people or objects in your design.

Step 1: Install Scissor Lines

To create the cut-out pages used in this tutorial, first install the Scissor Lines Canva app.

  1. Head over to Scissor Lines on Canva.
  2. Click Use in existing design and select the design we created in the first step of this tutorial.
  3. If the design doesn’t open, you might need to allow popups for Canva and try again.

Scissor Lines is made by us at Fifteen Sparks. You can try it and the other apps in this tutorial for free, but to use them in printed books you’ll need to purchase a commercial license.

Step 2: Add cut outs

For this

  1. Create a new page with a 1000x1000 custom layout.
  2. Add some elements to your page that match your theme. Make sure there’s plenty of space around them.
  3. In Scissor Lines click “Trace Objects”.
  4. Wait until all your objects are traced. If some of the traces don’t come out right, try experimenting with the distances.
  5. Copy the elements and trace lines into your book page.

Some KDP authors say their work has been flagged by Amazon when using Canva templates or elements. To get around this you may be able to use Pixabay illustrations instead of Canva premium elements.