How to Add Text to a Photo with Canva | a Step-by-Step Tutorial
One of the most common needs in any business is putting text over an image. In fact, how to do this is one of my most frequently asked questions! And so, I put together a step-by-step explanation of how to add text to a photo with Canva.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.
Putting text over a photo can come in handy in a TON of different ways; including social media posts, social media cover graphics, headers for your business emails, and even creating your own inspirational quotes or funny memes!
You will need 2 things for this project.
#1. An account with Canva.
One of my absolute favorite programs for graphics is called Canva. It’s very simple to get the hang of, even if you are NOT super techie, or even a designer (that would be ME.)
Canva has a free version and also a paid version that gives you access to special features. However, for our purposes today, the free version should be able to do everything you need.
So, if you haven’t already – get yourself signed up for an account with Canva.
#2. A photo to use.
Obviously, if we are putting text over a photo, you’ll need a photo!
The absolute mission critical thing to remember is that you must have the permission you need to use the photo!
If you have taken the photo yourself, you are set. Or if you work for a company that has a photographer, you are usually set to use the photo you are given for your project.
Otherwise, it’s time to go hunting! Here are some options:
This is probably my favorite site for free stock photos. You can simply search for the type of photo you want to use, and then download what you need. Go ahead and read through the permissions, but generally you can use any photos there without giving any attribution (which mean crediting the photographer.)
Related post:
Where to Find Great Stock Photos for Free
This is my favorite paid site for stock photos. You simply pay a subscription, and then are free to use the photos there as you wish.
I absolutely LOVE just paying a blanket price, and then having the confidence of knowing that I can use the photos any way necessary (even in products that I sell). It’s takes a load of worry off, and also removes the hassle of having to comb through permissions online.
Go check out the types of photos available, and if they are a fit for your business, I highly recommend Haute Stock!
Related post:
My Go-To Source for Great Graphics Photos
Yes, Canva even has stock photos that you can use. Simply search within their site and see what’s available. If there is no price listed, you can use it for free. If there’s a dollar sign on the photo then it is $1 to download your project in the end.
Realistically, $1 is a pretty good deal! So this can be a simple option for finding a great photo to use.
Now, on to our graphic!
Step #1: Log in to Canva.
If you haven’t yet created a login for Canva, now is the time!
NOTE: Although I regularly use Canva Pro (the paid version), the steps for this tutorial are using the FREE version.
Step #2: Choose your final product size.
One of my absolute favorite aspects of Canva is that you don’t really have to know anything about image sizes or pixels – you can pick from available sizes and templates that are there!
Right now, I am choosing “Instagram Post” as the final product that I am creating.
Step #3: Choose your starting point.
There are a ton of templates that you can choose, and then customize on your own. Or else you can just select “blank,” and make your own from scratch.
I am choosing “blank.”
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Step #4: Upload your photo.
Go to the “Uploads” icon on the left side. Drag your photo in.
I am using a photo that I downloaded from Haute Stock.
Step #5: Put your photo onto your project.
Simply drag your photo onto your blank project. You can resize it easily by dragging the corners of the photo. Move it around and get it looking just the way you want. You can always adjust the photo more later also.
Note: If your project looks too big or small, you can adjust your view by making the percentage different.
Step #6: Add your text.
Go to the icon on the left side that says “text.”
Now you have 2 options – you can select from one of the text templates listed there, or freestyle your own.
If you are unsure about selecting fonts, it may be helpful to just choose one of the templates. However, it’s not difficult at all to make your own, especially if you have set brand fonts.
For this tutorial, I’m going to make my own text arrangement.
Click on “Add a Heading.” And then type the text you would like over it.
Drag your text where you would like it over your photo, and drag the corners of the text box to make it bigger or smaller.
Step #7: Choose your font.
Highlight your text box, and then click on the drop down menu of fonts above.
Try out various fonts and see how they look!
I chose “Playlist Script” and then dragged the rotate button below the text so that it was angled just a little bit.
Step #8: Add the finishing touches.
Now you can get as creative as you’d like!
If you click on your text box, you’ll see options right above where you can change the text color, spacing, etc.
If you click on the photo, you will see options pop up that you can play with. You can add effects and filters to the photo, and even change the transparency.
Step #9: Download your graphic.
Click the download button at the top. You can now select which type of file you would like to use.
You now have a custom graphic that you can use anywhere on your social media or website!
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