How to Outline an Image in Canva [Updated 2026 Guide]

How to Outline an Image in Canva [Step-by-Step 2026 Tutorial]

Understanding how to outline an image in Canva will help you to improve the look of any design. I personally use this technique when I create a presentation in Canva. Adding a clean outline makes everything look more professional, whether you’re creating thumbnails, social media posts, or blog graphics. In this guide, I’ll show you how to add an outline to an image in Canva using free solutions, so you can get expected results in just a few clicks.

Why Create an Outline for Images in Canva?

If you’re here, you probably already understand the need for outlining images. I personally use outlines in Canva because they instantly improve clarity. Here are some of the main reasons users outline images in Canva:

Makes the subject stand out

Improves visual focus

Adds a professional touch

Boosts readability

Perfect for thumbnails and ads

One personal tip from my experience: always outline your photo whenever using it in YouTube thumbnails or social media platforms, because it instantly make PPT attractive boosts click-through rate.

How to Get the Perfect Images Before Outlining Them in Canva?

Before outlining an image in Canva, make sure you’re working with the right visual, because outlines work well with polished images. For the same, you can try MagicSlides AI image Creator for free and generate high-quality images that already match your topic.

This saves your time finding the right images from the search engines (Google, Bing, etc) or making them manually. Not only this, but you can create visuals with outlines or attractive borders. So, don’t waste time on further manual efforts, just opt for this now, and get the outlined images in seconds.

Still, if you want to learn how to do so manually, then let me explain the same in the next sections.

How to Outline an Image in Canva?

Below are all the methods for both Canva Pro and free users that I researched and found recently to create an image outline, i.e.

#Method 1. Using Background Remover (Canva Pro)

This is the cleanest and most professional method, and doesn’t require any add-ons or extensions, as background remover is a built-in feature of Canva Pro. Here are the steps for the same:

#Step 1. Click Uploads > Upload Files and select your image. Then drag it onto the canvas.

#Step 2. Select the image > Edit photo > Background Remover. Now you have a clean cut-out for outlining.

#Step 3. Press Ctrl + D (or Cmd + D on Mac) to duplicate it.

#Step 4. Select the bottom copy, then:

Click Edit photo

Open Shadows

Choose Glow

#Step 5. Now change these settings:

Blur - 0

Transparency - 100

Size - 10-20

Color - White / Black / Any Color

This quickly creates a clean outline around the image. Adjust the size to make the outline thicker, or change colour as desired.

#Method 2. How to Outline an Image in Canva (Free Version)

If you don’t have Canva Pro, this method will work. To do so, follow these instructions:

#Step 1. Upload and place the image on the canvas.

#Step 2. Click on the image and from the left corner click on Edit photo.

#Step 3. Now go to Effects and click on Shadows.

#Step 4. Select Outline, and it will outline the Image in Canva, as shown below.

#Step 5. Now adjust:

Blur > 0

Transparency > 100

Size > Increase

Colour> White or black

This adds an outline around the entire image.

#Method 3. How to Outline a Transparent PNG in Canva

If you already have a PNG with a transparent background, then:

Upload it

Click the image

Use Edit photo > Glow

Set blur to 0

Increase size

Choose outline colour

This method works especially well when you later download Canva as PPT and want your images to stay in MS PowerPoint.

Best Colours to Use for Outlines

Image outline colour is based on image colour, but still, here are some suggestions for a professional look:

White = Clean

Black = Bold

Yellow = Attention-grabbing

Brand colour = Professional branding

I repeat: always pick a colour that contrasts with the background. Don’t use green or any other colour that looks unprofessional until your contrast allows it.

Where I Personally Use Image Outlines

I use this Canva outline trick in:

YouTube thumbnails

Instagram posts

Blog feature images

Product promos

Pinterest pins

Course covers

It’s one of the simplest design upgrades that positively impacts user attention.

Author’s Verdict

Now you know how to outline an image in Canva the same way I do. We covered both free and Canva Pro users' methods simply and with a proper set of instructions. I hope you enjoyed this informative journey and gained complete knowledge on how to add an outline to an image in Canva.