A well-structured event website helps participants find important information and move confidently through the sign-up process. Conference Manager gives you the functional foundation, while tools such as Canva, Magnific, Adobe Express and Figma can help you create visual elements that support the identity of your event.
Combine function and visual expression
The best results often come from using Conference Manager and an external graphic tool for different parts of the process.
Use Basic setup to define the registration flow and key event settings, then use Website Designer to present the information clearly.
Use a graphic tool to prepare visual material before adding it to Website Designer.
Ideas for visual content
You do not need to redesign the entire website. A few consistent graphic elements can make the page feel more recognisable and complete.
Create a clear first impression using the event colours, title and a relevant visual.
Present speakers with consistent portraits, names, roles and image proportions.
Support programme themes with colour coding, icons or simple session graphics.
Create matching visuals for LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Use simple visual cues to support information without making the page feel crowded.
A small animated GIF can add movement, but it should not distract from registration or important information.
From graphic tool to Website Designer
A simple workflow makes it easier to maintain a consistent design and use the graphics in the right place.
Design the graphic using the event’s colours, fonts, image style and purpose.
Download the finished design in a suitable file format and at an appropriate size.
Upload the file to the media library and add it as an image, background or linked visual element.
JPG is generally suitable for photos and banners. PNG is useful for logos, icons and graphics that need sharp edges or transparency. GIF can be used for simple animation, but keep the file size in mind.
New to Canva?
Some video embeds may be blocked depending on the website settings, so the resources below open directly in Canva or YouTube instead.
Other useful graphic tools
Canva is only one option. Choose the tool that fits your workflow, experience and visual needs.
Magnific, formerly Freepik, provides stock images, vectors, illustrations, icons and creative tools that can help you find or develop visual material.
Visit MagnificAdobe Express can be used to create banners, social media graphics and other visual content from templates.
Visit Adobe ExpressFigma can be useful when several people need to develop, review or adjust visual concepts together.
Visit FigmaDesign for different screen sizes
A website should remain clear and easy to use whether participants visit it from a computer, tablet or phone.
Work from left to right in Website Designer
In Website Designer, start with the desktop view and then continue to tablet and mobile from left to right. Header images and section backgrounds are inherited by the smaller views, but they can be replaced there without changing the desktop version. Layout settings for individual elements, such as margins and spacing, can also be adjusted separately for each device.
Continue in CM Academy
These resources show how to work with Website Designer and prepare images for Conference Manager.
Get an overview of themes, elements, backgrounds, templates and responsive design.
Learn how to add and organise the elements used to build a page.
See how to use an image as a background, section background or individual element.
Check the recommended dimensions and file formats before creating your graphics.
