How to Add a Background Photo in Canva
I will show you how to add a background photo to a design in Canva. I have a document with a subject on an empty background, and it looks plain. I want to add a background photo to make it look more attractive.
You can upload a photo, or you can find a photo from the Elements tab. I search for an empty park photo in the Photos section. After you find one you want to use, click it to place it on the canvas.
Add a Background Photo in Canva
Manual steps to Add a Background Photo in Canva
Add the photo to your page.
Resize and position the photo so the part you want to show covers the canvas.
Right click the photo, open Layer, and select Send to back.
Now the photo sits behind your subject as the background.
To make text stand out on top of your new background, see tips on adding background text in Canva.
Faster way to Add a Background Photo in Canva
Select any photo on your page.
Right click it and choose Set image as background.
The photo stretches to the page size and becomes the background.
This method is faster, and you will not accidentally move the background as you work. It is embedded to the page size, so it stays put. It still remains editable.
Edit and adjust after you Add a Background Photo in Canva
Double click the background to adjust which part of the image is visible.
You can change the color settings or add transparency to the background.
If the edges feel harsh against your subject, you can blend the edges of a photo in Canva for a softer result.
Remove after you Add a Background Photo in Canva
Right click the background.
Click Detach image from background.
The image comes off the background, and you can move or replace it.
Final thoughts on Add a Background Photo in Canva
You can set a background by sending a photo to the back or by using Set image as background for a quicker result. You can still edit, reposition, and detach it at any time. If you want a different style for your design, try effects and add a cartoon effect with Canva AI to change the look.
