---
title: How to Create Custom Shape Canvases with PDFs
description: "Custom shapes can be imported as SVGs or PDFs. However, importing PDFs requires a slightly different process. If you’d like to maintain the outline shape when importing a PDF, follow these steps: (All"
---

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# How to Create Custom Shape Canvases with PDFs

Custom shapes can be imported as SVGs or PDFs. However, importing PDFs requires a slightly different process. If you’d like to maintain the outline shape when importing a PDF, follow these steps: *(All steps below need to be done in **Adobe Illustrator**)*

1. Use the **Direct Selection Tool** to select the outermost layer.
2. Hold down the **Option** key (Mac) or **Alt** key (Windows) then click the outermost layer to ensure the entire layer is selected.
3. Copy the selected layer (**Command + C** on Mac or **Ctrl + C** on Windows) and paste it to the front (**Command + F** on Mac or **Ctrl + F** on Windows).
4. Arrange the copied layer to the top of the layer panel or you can select the new layer and use keyboard shortcut **Shift** **+** **Command + \]** (Mac) or **Shift + Ctrl + \]** (Windows).
5. Select all the layers (**Command + A** on Mac or **Ctrl + A** windows)
6. Go to **Object** \> **Clipping Mask** \> **Make** (or press **Command + 7** on Mac or **Ctrl + 7** on Windows)
7. Go to **Artboard** \> **Preset** \> **Fit to Selected Art**
8. Save as PDF (Ensure the **Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities** is checked)
9. Import into Design Huddle

**Things to note:**

- Remove any extra layers beyond bleed and crop marks.
- As mentioned above, all steps need to be done in Adobe Illustrator

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