How Do You Make an Overlay in Canva?

October 4, 2023 canva

Creating overlays in Canva is a great way to add visual interest and depth to your designs. Whether you want to enhance a photo, create a unique text effect, or simply add a decorative element, overlays can help you achieve the desired look. In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps of making an overlay in Canva.

Step 1: Choose Your Background

Start by selecting the background image or color that you want to use for your design. Canva offers a wide range of options, including their extensive library of free stock photos, solid colors, and customizable gradients.

Step 2: Add an Element

Once you have your background set up, it's time to add an element that will serve as your overlay. This can be a shape, text box, or even another image. To do this:

Create a new element by clicking on the "Elements" tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
Select the desired shape or text box from the options available.
Resize and reposition the element as needed using the handles on the corners and edges.

Step 3: Customize Your Overlay

To make your overlay visually engaging:

Bold: Highlight important elements within your overlay using bold text. This can help draw attention to key information or create emphasis.
Underline: Use underlined text sparingly but effectively. It can be utilized to add an extra layer of emphasis or indicate links within your design.
Nested Elements: You can also nest elements within each other to create more complex overlays. For example, you can place text inside a shape or layer multiple shapes together.

Step 4: Adjust Opacity and Blending Modes

To achieve the desired effect, you can adjust the opacity and blending modes of your overlay. Opacity determines how transparent or opaque your overlay is, while blending modes control how it interacts with the background.

Step 5: Save and Download

Once you are satisfied with your overlay design, it's time to save and download your creation. Canva offers various formats, such as PNG or JPG, depending on your needs. Simply click on the "Download" button at the top right corner of the screen and select your preferred file format.

Creating overlays in Canva is a simple yet effective way to enhance your designs. By utilizing elements like bold text, underlined text, nested elements, lists, and subheaders where applicable, you can make visually engaging overlays that grab attention and make a lasting impact.