Featured image guidelines
A featured image is the visual representation of your app's functionality. The user sees this image in various places alongside your app listing.
- Maximum of 2 images: A featured image is a maximum of 2 separate images in a carousel, depending on the app's complexity.
- 2400 x 1800 pixels: A featured image should be 2400 x 1800 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio.
Only use content that you have the rights to use. For example, don't use celebrity images or names.
Style selection
When deciding on how to showcase your app, choose from one of the three options:
- 1x featured image (Editorial)
- 1x featured image (Contextual)
- 2x featured image viewed in a carousel (Editorial + Contextual)
Editorial: We call this approach editorial, because the aesthetic feels like something you'd see in editorial design. It's bold, graphic, and meant to grab your attention. The editorial approach focuses on the app functionality by showcasing the final product.
Contextual: We call this approach contextual, because it's all about showcasing the app in action, within Canva or on the platform where your app integrates Canva into. Like the editorial approach, it is bold and graphic, but has more detail by using the UI to create context for the user.
Apps with more than one experience
If your app has experiences both inside Canva and on another platform, each image follows the guidelines for the experience it shows. For example, a two-image carousel could show your app in the Canva editor in one image, and Canva on your platform in the other.
Featured image templates
To help you get started, we've designed a library of Canva templates. You can use these to create your featured image or as inspiration to create your own.
Editorial
Template link and use case | Example |
|---|---|
Template 1(opens in a new tab or window): Use for before & after cases. |  |
Template 2(opens in a new tab or window): Consider using this for apps that generate multiple images or videos. |  |
Template 3(opens in a new tab or window): Use to show different effects, showcase generated images, etc. |  |
Template 4(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for cloud-based apps that show file systems. |  |
Template 5(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for apps that need text prompts to generate something. |  |
Contextual
These templates show your app in the Canva editor. To show Canva on another platform, follow the guidelines in Color and Showing UI.
Template link and use case | Example |
|---|---|
Template 6(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for video based apps, and to show more details on the object panel |  |
Template 7(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for audio based apps |  |
Template 8(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for audio based apps |  |
Template 9(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for image based apps that show vertical images |  |
Template 10(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for image based apps that show horizontal images |  |
Template 11(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for integrated apps |  |
Template 12(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for photo editing apps that show the controls |  |
Template 13(opens in a new tab or window): Best to use for photo editing filters that show multiple choices |  |
Template 14(opens in a new tab or window): Blank editor template you can use to suit your own app |  |
Do
DO add only a few elements to the thumbnail to make it bigger and clearer.
DO ensure the object panel (left) is the right color, select a harmonious palette, and use a lighter background.
DO keep text to a minimum for text heavy apps. Look for a focal point.
DO opt for a simple and bold approach to scaling and cropping images, to highlight app functionality.
DO use Canva’s colors in harmonious sets, making the visuals feel cohesive.
DO use the featured image as an opportunity to highlight your app’s hero feature.
DO display content that captivates and engages potential users, motivating them to use your app.
DO showcase accurate UI (as seen within the product).
DO make Canva's content the focal point when showing Canva on another platform, and keep the platform's UI recognizable around it.
DO use a light tint of your brand's color, or the color of a platform your app connects to, for the background.
Don't
DON'T put too many elements within the thumbnail so that they become hard to see at small sizes.
DON'T make the object panel (left) a color other than dark gray. DON'T combine non-harmonious Canva colors, such as blue, green, and yellow.
DON'T choose a focal point that is too small. Instead, opt for something bigger to create impact and clarity. DON'T crop the focal point (woman's head) in the split screen.
DON'T abstract the UI by layering floating elements.
DON'T oversimplify the UI and DON'T use gray bars to represent text.
DON'T add written content to the featured image unless it’s crucial for showing the feature of the app.
DON'T alter the UI or deconstruct the UI.
DON'T show the whole browser or Canva UI - find a focal point.
DON'T simplify or abstract Canva's content when showing Canva on another platform. Designs, thumbnails, and links to Canva must be accurate and legible.
DON'T use a brand's darkest or most saturated color as the full background.
Color
Canva has an established color palette, which developers are welcome to use. From the example below we use the Mid and Light colors for background colours. Avoid using the darker colors for the background, as they are too heavy in the digital space.
If you have your own brand colors, see Using brand colors.
Dark | Mid | Light |
|---|---|---|
#00500A | #28C878 | #D2FFE6 |
#280F91 | #597CFF | #B4D7FF |
#3C0F78 | #A548FF | #E1C3FF |
#69005A | #D269E6 | #F0CDFF |
#FF5055 | #FFA5F0 | #FFE6FF |
#6E0F2D | #FF877D | #FFD7DC |
#FF7828 | #FFD200 | #FFFACD |
Using brand colors
If you have your own brand colors, you're welcome to use these, especially if your brand is well established. If your app connects Canva with another platform, you can also use that platform's brand colors.
Use a light tint for the background: Choose a tint that's light enough to sit next to other listings without overwhelming them. Follow the brand's guidelines for approved tints.
Use white or light gray for neutral brands: If the brand's colors are black, white, or gray, use white or a very light gray for the background, and let the content supply the color.
Harmonize the content: Content inside the image can use any Canva colors. Choose designs that harmonize with the background color, so the image feels cohesive.
Text in images
As Canva has a global audience, we need to consider every locale. Avoid using text within your image unless it is necessary to show the function of the app. An example of this is Canva's Text to Image app (below).
Without the text, it would be unclear what the relevance of these images are to the app. When using text is necessary, try to keep it to a minimum by using just enough to convey the function of your app.
The same applies when your image shows Canva on another platform. In the Claude example below, the prompt shows what the user asked Canva to create, and the designs show the result.
On chat-based platforms, text is necessary because the prompt is how users reach Canva. Keep it to the prompt and, if needed, a short reply. Other examples include the platform's name in its own UI, or links like “Open in Canva” that show where Canva connects.
Showing UI
The way we show UI plays an important role in illustrating the functionality of an app.
Find a focal point: With limited space and short attention spans, we should always have a focal point when showing UI. Less is more, so focus on the functionality and what you're trying to communicate.
Play with scale: We don't need to see the full Canva editor to understand the app or product functionality. Cropping in on the feature is a good way to create impact, especially within smaller formats.
Be selective: When selecting photography or other graphic elements, a considered approach is important in creating an elevated look and feel. A good starting point is to select images that have uncluttered backgrounds and a focal point.
Add some color: Don't be afraid to use color to add some vibrance. Feel free to use Canva's playground brand palette or your own colors. Where appropriate, you can use the Canva doc type colors to create product affinity.
In motion: Designing layouts that look like they are in motion can feel more dynamic and less static. It can also act as a demonstration on how to use the product feature.
Showing Canva on other platforms
When your image shows Canva on another platform, the platform's UI is the setting, and Canva's content is the focal point.
Crop to the relevant area: Show the panel, dialog, or view where Canva appears, not the whole browser or app window.
Keep the platform recognizable: Keep its logo, navigation, and layout structure. For example, a Google Drive image should look like Google Drive. You can simplify the rest of the platform's UI.
Show Canva content accurately: Designs, thumbnails, the Canva logo, the Canva files panel, “Open design in Canva” links, and prompts that mention Canva must be accurate and legible.
Show real designs: Use finished Canva designs as the content. Don't use placeholder images or gray boxes where a design would go.
Photography
It's important to select the right image that most effectively shows the app's functionality.
Find a focal point: There should be a focal point when selecting an image. Remember that less is more.
Clean and uncluttered: Selecting photography that has uncluttered backgrounds allows the focus to be on the subject matter.
Light and bright: Selecting photography that feels light and breezy (vs dark and dim) creates clarity, especially at smaller sizes.
Diversity: To ensure we are being inclusive and representing the spectrum of Canva users, include people of different backgrounds, age, and genders.
Canva imagery: Make sure you are using licensed imagery, whether from your own sources or within Canva.