Canva is a popular graphic design tool used for creating stunning visuals with ease, whether for personal projects, social media, or professional work. One of its great features is the ability to manipulate images, including changing the color of photos and graphics. Here’s a simple guide to help you learn how to change the color of an image in Canva.
Step 1: Open Canva and Create a New Design
Start by logging in to your Canva account, or sign up if you’re new to the platform. Once you’re in, click on the “Create a design” button at the top right corner of the screen. Choose the dimensions or template that best fits your project—whether it’s for social media posts, presentations, or posters.
Step 2: Upload Your Image or Choose From Canva’s Library
You can upload your image by clicking the “Uploads” tab on the left-hand panel and selecting “Upload media” to import your desired image. Canva also has a vast library of free and premium stock photos that you can use if you don’t have one on hand. Just go to the “Photos” tab on the left, search for an image, and drag it into your workspace.
Step 3: Select the Image
Once your image is added to the design canvas, click on it to select it. A toolbar will appear at the top, allowing you to make various adjustments, including resizing, positioning, or applying filters.
Step 4: Apply Filters (Basic Color Adjustments)
For basic color changes, you can start by applying filters. To do this:
- Select the image.
- Click on “Edit image” in the toolbar.
- Scroll down to the “Filters” section and select a filter that gives your image a different color tone.
You can adjust the intensity of the filter using the slider, which will allow you to control how much the color shifts.
Step 5: Adjust Color Settings Manually
If you want more control over the color change, Canva allows you to manually adjust settings like brightness, contrast, saturation, and more. Here’s how:
- With the image selected, go to “Edit image.”
- Under the “Adjust” section, use the sliders for “Brightness,” “Contrast,” “Saturation,” and “Tint” to modify the image color.
This method is particularly useful for changing the overall color mood of an image. For instance, increasing the saturation will make colors more vibrant, while adjusting the tint can introduce a subtle color overlay.
Step 6: Use Color Overlays (For Specific Color Changes)
If you want to apply a specific color over an image, you can add a colored overlay to achieve a more precise color shift. Here’s how:
- On the left toolbar, click on “Elements.”
- Scroll down and click “Shapes,” then choose a rectangle or another shape that covers your entire image.
- With the shape selected, go to the color option in the top toolbar to pick a new color.
- Adjust the transparency of the shape by clicking on the Transparency button (checkerboard icon) in the top right. Lower the transparency so the shape blends with the image, effectively changing its color.
Step 7: Recolor Graphics and Illustrations
If you’re working with an illustration, icon, or vector file from Canva’s library, you can change its color more precisely:
- Select the graphic or illustration.
- In the toolbar, click the Color tile (a square with the current color).
- Choose a new color from the default options, or input a specific hex code for a custom color.
Note that this method works best for illustrations and icons, not for regular photos.
Step 8: Download Your Design
Once you’ve finished adjusting the colors to your satisfaction, you can download your design. Click the “Share” button in the top right corner, then select “Download.” Choose your preferred file format (PNG, JPG, or PDF), and your newly color-modified image is ready to go.