Designing a Stunning YouTube Banner with Canva
Welcome to our website! If this is your first time here, we’re Eugene and Heather. We’ve been married for over 16 years all while running multiple businesses together. We’re passionate about providing valuable tools and tips for creatives like you.
We’re going to show you how to update your YouTube banner using Canva, a free and user-friendly design tool. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a stunning banner that represents your channel perfectly
Getting Started
If you already have a Canva account, feel free to skip ahead. We love Canva because it’s perfect for designing when you’re short on time or struggle with design skills. Let’s begin by heading to canva.com and signing in or creating an account. The process is straightforward and won’t take long.
1. Setting Up the Safe Viewing Area:
Once you’re logged in, search for “YouTube Banner” in the Canva search bar. Choose a blank YouTube banner template to ensure that elements stay within the safe viewing area for all viewers. To set up the safe viewing area, turn on rulers and guides by clicking “File,” then “View Settings,” and selecting “Show rulers and guides.” You can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift + R.
2. Adding Guides and Adjusting Background:
To define the safe viewing area, add four guides. The vertical guides should be set at 2053 pixels and 507 pixels, while the horizontal guides should be set at 508 pixels and 932 pixels. Next, change the background color according to your brand colors.
3. Uploading Images and Customizing:
Click on “Uploads” in the side menu and drag your images onto the designated box. Select an image and add it to the canvas. Repeat this process to upload additional images. Add text to your banner by pressing “T” on your keyboard. Customize the font, size, and position of the text to your preference
4. Creating a Unique Design
Add more text to provide viewers with additional information about your channel. Experiment with different fonts and sizes until you’re satisfied. To give the text a background, make sure that your text is selected and the click effects. Then click on the background effect. Select on the color box and select a custom color or you can select a color from the image using the eye dropper tool. Adjust the roundness and shape of the text background as desired.
5. Finalizing and Uploading the Banner:
Duplicate text elements as needed and align them to match your brand. Once you’re happy with the design, download the banner by clicking “Share,” then “Download,” and selecting the download button. To upload the new banner to YouTube, click on your profile icon in the top right corner, select “Your channel,” and click your main profile image. Choose the “Upload” option next to the banner image section. After selecting your image, remember to click “Publish” to save the new banner.
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations on designing your stunning YouTube banner using Canva! You’ve successfully utilized the safe viewing area and created an eye-catching design to represent your channel. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Thank you for following along with this tutorial on our website. Stay tuned for more helpful tips and tutorials for creatives!