The easiest way to make an overlay is in Canva is to use the built-in templates. Simply open Canva and select the “Create a design” button.
Then, choose “Use custom dimensions” and enter your desired width and height. For this example, we’ll use 800x600px.
Once you’ve entered your dimensions, select the “Create new design” button. You should now be on a blank canvas with a grey checkerboard background.
To add an overlay, first click on the “Elements” tab in the left sidebar. Then, drag and drop an image from the library onto your canvas. For this example, we’ll use a photo of a laptop.
Once your image is on the canvas, click on it to select it. Then, click on the “Opacity” slider in the top toolbar and reduce the opacity of your image until you can see the checkerboard background through it. In this example, we’ll set the opacity to 50%.
Now that your image is ready, it’s time to add some text. Click on the “Text” tab in the left sidebar and then click on the “Add Heading” button.
1. Make sure your overlay is large enough to be seen, but not so large that it overpowers the photo.
2. Choose an overlay that compliments the photo, rather than competing with it.
3. Pay attention to the placement of your overlay. It should enhance the photo, not cover it up.
4. Keep your overlay simple. Too much clutter will only detract from the photo.
5. When in doubt, less is more. A simple overlay can often be more effective than a complex one.
A text box will appear on your canvas. Enter your desired text and then adjust the font size, color, and alignment as desired. In this example, we’ll use the heading “Work from anywhere.”
Once you’re happy with your text, it’s time to add a call-to-action (CTA) button. Click on the “Shapes” tab in the left sidebar and then click on the “Rectangle” tool.
Draw a rectangle onto your canvas and then enter your CTA text into it. In this example, we’ll use the CTA “Learn More.”
Now that your overlay is complete, all that’s left to do is export it! Click on the “Download” button in the top toolbar and select your desired file format (JPG or PNG). You can also choose to download as an HTML5 file if you want to use your overlay as a web banner.
Conclusion:
To make an overlay in Canva, simply open Canva and select the “Create a design” button. Then choose “Use custom dimensions,” enter your desired width and height, and select “Create new design.”
To add an overlay image, drag and drop an image from Canva’s library onto your blank canvas. Reduce its opacity until you can see through it to the checkerboard background, then add text and a CTA button. Finally, export your completed overlay by clicking on the “Download” button in Canva’s top toolbar.
