QUICK START
How to create a design online
Choose your canvas
Start with a blank canvas or apply a square social post, YouTube thumbnail or vertical story template. Set custom width and height when you need a different layout.
Add images, text and shapes
Import a JPG, PNG or WebP image. Add text, rectangles or circles, then select a layer to change its position, size, colour or opacity. Drag layers on the canvas to arrange them.
Review and download
Use layer ordering to bring elements forward or send them back. Undo or redo changes while editing. Choose PNG, JPG or WebP, download the design, and save it before leaving.
Create a YouTube thumbnail or social media graphic
The thumbnail template starts at 1280 × 720 pixels, the square post at 1080 × 1080, and the vertical story at 1080 × 1920. Use these as starting canvases and check the destination’s requirements before publishing. You can also enter custom dimensions.
For a readable thumbnail, try one clear photo, a short headline and a contrasting shape behind the text. Inspect your design at a smaller size: details that look clear on the full canvas may be hard to see in a feed. For a social announcement, make the date and main message easy to find.
Work with text, images, shapes and layers
Each item is a layer you can select independently. Edit a text layer’s wording, font family, size and bold setting. Change the colour and opacity of shapes to create backgrounds, labels or simple decoration. Add your own photo or logo as an image layer.
Use numeric X and Y positions for precise placement, and width and height for sizing. Bring forward and Send back adjust overlaps. Duplicate a layer when you want a repeated element, or delete it to simplify the design. Undo and redo apply during the current session.
Download your design in the right format
| Format | When to use it |
|---|---|
| PNG | Graphics with text and crisp edges |
| JPG | Photo-heavy designs where a smaller file is useful |
| WebP | Web graphics when the destination supports WebP |
The canvas uses your selected background colour. Downloads are flattened images, not editable project files. If you need a specific file-size limit after export, open the download in Image Tools to resize or compress it.
Designs are temporary and are not saved to an account or server. Download before refreshing or switching tools. This editor provides three starting templates and basic layer controls; it does not include a stock asset library, collaborative editing, AI generation or print-ready PDF export.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make a YouTube thumbnail for free?
Yes. Apply the YouTube thumbnail template, replace the sample text, add your own image and download the result. The template canvas is 1280 × 720 pixels, and no watermark is added.
Can I add text to a photo?
Yes. Add your image, create a text layer and place it over the photo. Use Bring forward if the text is behind another layer. Text colour, font, size, bold styling and opacity are adjustable.
Do I need an account or paid templates?
No. The three included templates and current editing controls are free. Bring your own images; premium stock media is not bundled.
Can I save a design and edit it later?
There is no project-save or account storage feature. Downloads are flattened PNG, JPG or WebP images. Keep the page open while editing and download before you leave; reimporting a download does not restore its separate layers.
What is the maximum canvas size?
The canvas supports up to 4096 pixels per side within a 16-megapixel limit. Your device needs enough memory for the canvas and imported images.
Is this Canva or an official Canva integration?
No. Design Studio is an independent ConvertShorts tool for basic designs. It does not connect to a Canva account or import Canva projects.