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Overlay images to create visually compelling content

Design stunning image overlays with Canva’s powerful yet beginner-friendly photo editing tools. From branded social media posts to personal pictures, instantly craft a multi-layered visual story for free.

Overlay images

Layer images in just a few clicks

Effortlessly overlay images

No need for advanced skills or complicated design software. Effortlessly add image to image on Canva to produce beautiful, surreal designs that stand out. Remove backgrounds⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and make your photos transparent for convenient layering. Adjust the positioning by sending images to the front or back with Layers. Then, use our Transparency slider to add a sheer, delicate effect. From personal social posts to branded marketing materials, you can superimpose images and let your pictures blend seamlessly.

Add an artistic touch

Customize your photo overlay

Unlock your design⁠(opens in a new tab or window) potential with Canva’s online photo editor. Go beyond superimposing photographs and turn your ordinary pictures into artistic imagery. Add an element of drama to your portrait with a black-and-white filter⁠(opens in a new tab or window). Amplify your landscape shot with mirror effects⁠(opens in a new tab or window). Then, smartly resize⁠(opens in a new tab or window) your design for any platform with a Pro account. Customize your photo overlay as little or as much as you like, then share or download it instantly without altering the quality.

Take control of your visual narrative

Polish your overlay images

With Canva’s drag-and-drop design tools, you can polish your overlay images online in one platform. Use our intuitive photo editor to change photo background⁠(opens in a new tab or window), combine images⁠(opens in a new tab or window), add text, and layer them with icons, stickers, and other graphic elements from our extensive media library. Whether it’s a Facebook post for your brand or a presentation for your next work meeting, use image layering to your advantage and create striking visuals to drive your story forward. Use Canva to convert PPTX to PDF⁠(opens in a new tab or window) and keep the integrity of your creative work untouched.

How to overlay pictures

How to overlay pictures
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Launch Canva

Open Canva on a web browser or the app. Start your design project by working off a ready-made template or opening a blank canvas.

Upload your photos

Click the Uploads tab to upload your desired photos onto the editor. You can also browse our media library to find high-quality stock images to use in your design.

Overlay photos

Right-click on a photo and use the Layer option to bring it forward or backward, or select Position and rearrange the blocks to layer your photos accordingly. Then, select Transparency in the toolbar above the editor and use the slider to adjust the transparency of each photo.

Embellish your design

Customize your design further using our handy photo editing tools. Apply trendy photo effects to nail your desired aesthetic. Insert text in stylish fonts. Explore thousands of unique icons, vectors, and illustrations in our library to match your overall vision.

Download and share

Once you’re happy with your work, download it in a high-resolution JPG or PNG format. Add it to an existing Canva design. Or publish it immediately to your social media profiles right from the editor.

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End of list: How to overlay pictures
Overlay images

Open Canva on a web browser or the app. Start your design project by working off a ready-made template or opening a blank canvas.

Click the Uploads tab to upload your desired photos onto the editor. You can also browse our media library to find high-quality stock images to use in your design.

Right-click on a photo and use the Layer option to bring it forward or backward, or select Position and rearrange the blocks to layer your photos accordingly. Then, select Transparency in the toolbar above the editor and use the slider to adjust the transparency of each photo.

Customize your design further using our handy photo editing tools. Apply trendy photo effects to nail your desired aesthetic. Insert text in stylish fonts. Explore thousands of unique icons, vectors, and illustrations in our library to match your overall vision.

Once you’re happy with your work, download it in a high-resolution JPG or PNG format. Add it to an existing Canva design. Or publish it immediately to your social media profiles right from the editor.
Overlay images

Frequently Asked Questions

Overlay images are images layered one on top of another. They consist of a base image and secondary images or elements to enhance the photo or image.

Overlay images online for free using our beginner-friendly photo editor. Simply upload an image you want to overlay with other images or elements. You can use your own digital assets or browse our massive media library for photos, illustrations, and graphics to layer on top of your base image.

To overlay two images, upload your base image to your chosen template or a blank layout. You can then upload your secondary image or choose from our stock library. Make adjustments by right-clicking on an image, selecting Layer, and choosing one of the options to position your image. You can also drag your photo across the canvas to find its perfect placement.
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