Creating an Annual Report doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right structure and a simple design tool like Canva, you can produce a professional, print-ready Annual Report that clearly communicates your company’s performance, achievements, and future direction.
Below is an easy guide to help you get started, using a clear page structure and a ready-made Canva template.
What You Need Before You Start
Before designing your Annual Report, gather the key information you’ll need, such as:
- Company overview and background
- Team photos and profiles
- Vision and mission statements
- Financial summaries
- Sales performance data
- Key highlights and achievements from the year
It’s also a good idea to plan your page count in multiples of four (x4). This makes printing and binding much easier and more cost-effective.
Suggested Structure for a Simple 10-Page Annual Report
Here is a recommended layout for a simple 10-page Annual Report, plus covers. You can scale it up or add more content depending on your business size, reporting needs, or audience.
Cover Page
Make a strong first impression with your company logo, report title, and year.
Page 1: Table of Contents
Helps readers quickly find the information they’re looking for.
Page 2: About the Company
Introduce who you are, what you do, and your company values.
Pages 3 & 4: Meet Our Team
Highlight your leadership team or key staff with photos and short bios.
Page 5: Vision and Mission
Share your long-term goals and what drives your business.
Pages 6 & 7: Financial Statements
Present a clear summary of your financial performance. Keep it simple and visual where possible.
Pages 8 & 9: Annual Sales Report
Showcase sales results, growth trends, and key achievements using charts or graphs.
Page 10: One-Year Review
Summarise the year’s highlights, challenges, and what’s ahead.
Back Cover: Contact Us
Include your website, email, phone number, and social media details.
Design Your Annual Report Using Canva
Canva makes Annual Report design easy, even if you don’t have design experience. You can start with a professionally designed template and customise it to match your brand.
👉 Use this Canva Annual Report template
Simply update the text, replace images, adjust colours, and upload your logo.
Download Settings: Important Tip
When your design is complete, make sure you download it correctly:
- Select PDF Print as your file format
- Avoid downloading as PNG, which is Canva’s default suggestion
- PDF Print ensures the best quality for professional printing
Need Help With Your Annual Report?
If you’d like assistance with design, layout, or content, CMP can help you create a clear, professional Annual Report that reflects your brand and tells your story effectively.
Contact us today to get started.