Connect Canto to Marq - DAM Integration Guide

What You'll Learn

How to access Canto assets directly in Marq templates
Navigating folders, albums, and collections in the Canto connector
Searching for specific assets using Canto's API
Drag-and-drop functionality for quick asset insertion
Best practices for template designers and end users

Overview: The Canto Integration Challenge

Before the Canto integration, teams faced significant workflow friction:

Template designers had to navigate to Canto, download files, then manually upload them to Marq
End users couldn't easily access approved brand assets when personalizing templates
Keeping assets synchronized between Canto and Marq was challenging
Sales teams and other users had to request assets from marketing teams

The Canto connector solves these challenges by providing direct, real-time access to your Canto library within Marq's editor, using Canto's APIs to pull assets dynamically.

How Template Designers Use Canto

Template designers can build base templates using assets directly from Canto, creating a foundation for end users to personalize:

1. Open the Marq Editor

Navigate to any template in Marq and open the editor. Whether you're creating a new template or editing an existing one, the Canto connector is readily available.

2. Access the Canto Connector

Click on the Canto connector in the image sources panel. On your first use, you'll be prompted to log in with your Canto credentials.

One-Time Login: After your initial login, the Canto connector will automatically authenticate behind the scenes using Canto's APIs, providing seamless access to your assets.

3. Browse Your Asset Library

The connector displays all folders, albums, and collections specific to your user permissions. Navigate through your organizational structure to find the assets you need:

Folders: Browse your Canto folder hierarchy
Albums: Access curated collections of assets
Collections: View grouped assets organized by category or project

4. Search for Assets

Use the built-in search functionality powered by Canto's API to quickly locate specific assets. The search returns:

Matching folders and albums
Individual images that match your search criteria
Results filtered based on your user permissions

5. Add Assets to Your Template

Simply drag and drop any image from the Canto connector directly onto your canvas. The asset is immediately added to your document and ready to be positioned and styled.

How End Users Access Canto Assets

When end users (like salespeople, regional managers, or distributed teams) personalize templates, they can replace placeholder images with Canto assets tailored to their needs:

Personalizing a Template

Open a template shared by your marketing or design team
Click on an image you want to replace
Select the Canto connector from the image sources
Log in with your Canto credentials (first time only)
Browse or search for the appropriate asset
Click to insert - the image automatically replaces the selected placeholder

User-Specific Access: Each user sees only the Canto assets they're permitted to access based on your Canto permissions structure. This ensures brand governance while empowering users with self-service capabilities.

Key Features of the Canto Integration

Advanced Search

Leverage Canto's powerful search API to find assets by keyword, tag, or metadata across your entire library.

Full Navigation

Browse through folders, albums, and collections just as you would in Canto, maintaining your organizational structure.

Drag-and-Drop

Simply drag assets from Canto directly onto your canvas for instant placement and use.

Real-Time Sync

Assets are pulled dynamically via API, ensuring you always access the latest versions from Canto.

Permission-Based Access

Users see only assets they're authorized to access in Canto, maintaining security and governance.

Seamless Authentication

Workflow Benefits

For Template Designers

Eliminate downloads: No need to save files locally and then upload to Marq
Stay current: Always access the latest versions of assets from Canto
Speed up creation: Build templates faster with direct asset access
Maintain consistency: Ensure all templates use approved brand assets

For End Users

Self-service access: Personalize templates without requesting assets from marketing
Find assets quickly: Use search to locate exactly what you need for your client or region
Work faster: Create customized materials in minutes, not hours
Stay on-brand: Choose from pre-approved assets that meet brand standards

Use Case Example: Real Estate Listings

Scenario: A real estate agency stores all property photos in Canto, organized by location and property type.

The Old Way:

Agent needs to create a listing brochure for a client
Opens Canto, searches for property images, downloads to desktop
Opens Marq, uploads images manually to the template
Creates the brochure
Total time: 15-20 minutes

With the Canto Integration:

Agent opens the listing brochure template in Marq
Clicks on placeholder images
Opens Canto connector, searches for property
Drags property images directly into the template
Total time: 3-5 minutes

Result: 70% time savings, increased productivity, and agents can respond to clients faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate Canto account to use the integration?

Yes, you need valid Canto credentials to access assets through the integration. Each user logs in with their own Canto account to ensure proper permission management.

Can I search for assets across my entire Canto library?

Yes! The search functionality uses Canto's API to search across folders, albums, collections, and individual images. Results are filtered based on your user permissions in Canto.

What happens if an asset is updated in Canto after I've used it in Marq?

Once an image is inserted into a Marq template, it becomes part of that specific document. If you want to use the updated version from Canto, you'll need to replace the image using the Canto connector again.

Can I use Canto assets in both templates and projects?

Yes, the Canto connector is available in both the template editor (for designers) and when end users are working with templates or creating projects.

How often do I need to log in to Canto through Marq?

After your initial login, the integration uses Canto's APIs to authenticate behind the scenes. You typically won't need to log in again unless your session expires or you explicitly log out.

Can I download templates with Canto assets for print or social media?

Absolutely! Once you've created your document using Canto assets, you can download it in any format supported by Marq (PDF, PNG, JPG, etc.) for print, social media sharing, or distribution to clients.

Troubleshooting

Issue: I can't see certain folders or assets in the Canto connector.

Solution: This is likely due to permission settings in Canto. Contact your Canto administrator to verify that your user account has access to the specific folders or collections you need.

Issue: The search isn't returning expected results.

Solution: Ensure your search terms match the metadata, tags, or file names used in Canto. Try broader search terms or browse through folders if search results are limited.

Issue: I'm being asked to log in repeatedly.

Solution: Check your browser settings to ensure cookies are enabled for Marq. Clearing your browser cache and logging in again may also resolve authentication issues.

Best Practices

For Administrators:

Organize assets in Canto with clear folder structures and naming conventions
Use consistent tagging and metadata to improve searchability
Set up appropriate user permissions in Canto before enabling Marq access
Create albums or collections for commonly used assets (logos, brand elements, etc.)

For Users:

Use specific search terms with keywords, project names, or asset tags
Bookmark frequently used folders in Canto for quick access
Familiarize yourself with your organization's Canto structure
When in doubt, use search instead of browsing for faster results

Need Help? If you have questions about the Canto integration or need assistance, contact Marq support at support@marq.com or visit our Help Center.