Enhance text with effects
Add visual impact to your text with effects like shadows, outlines, curves, and more. Text effects make your text more engaging and help important information stand out in your designs.
Text effects fall into three categories:
Style
- Drop
- Glow
- Echo
- Outline
- Background
- Splice
Colour
- Hollow
- Glitch
- Neon
Shape
- Curve
Learn how to add text boxes and how to customize your font style and appearance.
Apply effects to your texts
Add effects to your text to enhance its visual appeal.
- Select the text box and click on Effects on the toolbar.
- From the side panel, choose an effect to use.
- Drag the sliders or input a value for intensity, colour, direction, and transparency to adjust.
- To change the effect colour, select the text, then select the effect colour option next to Effects in the toolbar or effects panel.
- To remove an effect, select Remove effect at the bottom of the panel when an effect is active.
If the hyperlinks on text with effects aren’t working, learn how to fix it.
Check which text effects work with gradients
These text effects are fully compatible with gradients and will display the full gradient range.
Works well with gradients:
- Shadow
- Glow
- Curve
- Echo
Limited compatibility:
- Neon, Hollow, Glitch, and Splice may only show the first gradient colour.
- Some effects might override the gradient entirely.
Tip: For best results, apply the effect first, then add the gradient. When exporting text with both effects and gradients, use PNG or JPG format for accurate display. PDF and SVG exports may not show gradients correctly.
The text effect doesn’t display correctly with the gradient
If your text effect doesn't display correctly with the gradient, try these workarounds:
- Apply the effect before the gradient.
- Use solid colours for complex effects like Neon or Glitch.
- Export as PNG or JPG.
Can I use text effects with gradient text?
Yes, most effects work with gradients. Shadow, Lift, Curve, and Echo display gradients fully. Effects like Neon, Hollow, and Glitch may show limitations.
Where can I find the effect colour option?
You can change the effect colour in two places. Select the colour pot next to the Effects button on the toolbar, or use the colour option in the side panel. Both options give you the same colour controls.
Use apps for advanced text effects
Access advanced text effects through Canva apps in the Text tab. These apps are included in paid plans and offer unique text styling options:
- TypeStudio: Pro-style lettering made easy
- TypeCraft: Warp and distort text creatively
- TypeExtrude: Add depth and dimension to your text
- TypeCutOut: Transform your text with background images
- TypeLettering: Customisable text effects for captivating designs
- TypeGradient: Add gradient to texts
These apps may not be available on all design types. Use the Canva text effects in this case.
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