Creating eye-catching designs is essential for effective communication in today’s digital world. One popular graphic design technique is outlining images to make them stand out. Canva, a user-friendly design tool, offers a straightforward process for outlining images. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to help you create stunning outlines in Canva.
Why Outline an Image?
Outlining images can add depth, focus, and emphasis to your designs. It highlights the subject, making it pop against the background, which is particularly useful for marketing materials, social media posts, and presentations.
by Pawel Czerwinski (https://unsplash.com/@pawel_czerwinski)
Getting Started with Canva
Before diving into the outlining process, ensure you have a Canva account. If you don’t already have one, sign up for free on Canva’s website. Once logged in, you can start a new design project or open an existing one.
Choosing the Right Canvas
Select the dimensions for your design. Canva offers a range of preset sizes for social media, documents, and more. You can also customize the size according to your needs. The right canvas size ensures your design looks professional and polished.
Outlining Images in Canva
Now that you’re set up, let’s outline your image. Follow these steps to achieve the desired effect.
Step 1: Upload Your Image
To begin, upload the image you want to outline. Click on the “Uploads” tab on the left-hand side and select “Upload Media” to choose a file from your computer. Once uploaded, drag the image onto your canvas.
Step 2: Duplicate the Image
Creating an outline involves working with two copies of your image. First, select the image on your canvas, then use the “Duplicate” button in the top-right toolbar. This action creates an exact copy of your image on the canvas.
Step 3: Remove the Background
With the duplicated image selected, navigate to the “Effects” tab in the top toolbar. Here, you’ll find the “Background Remover” option. Click on it to remove the background from your image, leaving only the subject.
This feature is available for Canva Pro users. If you’re using the free version, you can manually remove the background using the “Erase” tool.
Step 4: Adjust the Color
Now that you have a background-free image, it’s time to create the outline. Select the image and click on the “Filter” tab. Adjust the color settings to make the image a solid color, typically white or black, which will form your outline.
by Andrew Neel (https://unsplash.com/@andrewtneel)
Step 5: Position the Outline
With your outlined image ready, it’s time to position it behind the original image. Select the outlined image and use the “Position” button in the top toolbar to send it to the back. Align it carefully so the outline is evenly visible around the edges of the original image.
Step 6: Fine-Tune the Outline
For a more pronounced outline, you can increase the size of the outlined image. Select the outlined image and drag the corners outward slightly. This adjustment creates a thicker outline, making your subject stand out even more.
Adding Additional Effects
Canva offers various additional effects to enhance your outlined image further. Experiment with shadows, glows, and gradients to create unique and captivating designs.
Adding a Drop Shadow
To add a drop shadow, select the original image and navigate to the “Effects” tab. Choose the “Drop Shadow” option and adjust the settings to achieve the desired effect. A shadow adds depth, making your outlined image look more dynamic.
Applying a Glow Effect
The glow effect can add a soft, luminous outline to your image. In the “Effects” tab, select “Glow” and customize the settings to your liking. This effect works well for images that need a gentle highlight.
by Scott Graham (https://unsplash.com/@amstram)
Saving and Sharing Your Design
Once you’ve completed your design, it’s time to save and share it. Click the “Download” button in the top-right corner and choose your preferred file format. PNG is recommended for images with transparent backgrounds. You can also share your design directly to social media or other platforms from within Canva.
Practical Applications of Outlined Images
Outlined images are versatile and can be used in various design projects. Here are a few practical applications to inspire you:
- Social Media Posts: Make your images stand out in crowded feeds by adding outlines that draw attention.
- Marketing Materials: Use outlined images to emphasize key products or services in brochures and flyers.
- Presentations: Enhance slides with outlined images to create a professional and engaging look.
- Website Graphics: Add outlined images to your website to make visual elements pop and guide users’ attention.
Conclusion
Outlining images in Canva is a simple yet effective way to elevate your designs. With this step-by-step guide, you can create professional-looking outlines that enhance your images and captivate your audience. Whether you’re a graphic design novice or a seasoned pro, Canva’s intuitive tools make the process accessible to everyone.
Start experimenting with outlining images today and discover how this technique can transform your design projects.
