Graphic-design-for-anyone tool Canva raises additional $3.6M, launches plugin for third-party sites

Apparently, people like being able to create attractive graphics without a design degree. Canva, the web-based graphic design platform, has just raised an additional $3.6 million in funding.

Canva makes it simple for people without a design background to create high-quality graphics using a drag-and-drop tool and its robust gallery of photos, illustrations, and fonts. The end result can be used in print or online.

Along with the funding news, Canva also announced its new Canva Button plugin that third-party websites can install. This allows visitors to websites with the button installed to create custom graphics without having to leave the site. The button targets sites that allow people to upload their own content. Site visitors can create graphics using all the features Canva provides without leaving the third-party site.

“Every site that allows users to upload content, whether it’s a Web app, e-commerce provider, or ad network, wants their users to have beautiful graphics,” said Canva CEO Melanie Perkins. “However it’s almost impossible to create something that looks good without knowing how to use professional design tools.”

The button will become available with several as-yet-undisclosed partners in the coming weeks. Any site that want to apply to become a partner can do so on Canva’s site.

The new funding round was led by San Francisco-based Founders Fund — which recently raised a new $1 billion fund — and Shasta Ventures. Existing investors also contributed, including Australia-based Blackbird Ventures, Square Peg Capital, and Matrix Partners. The company’s initial seed round in March 2013 raised $3 million.

Canva launched just 11 months ago and has since grown its user base to 600,000 strong. Those users have collectively created over 3.5 million designs. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia.