Using Images and Icons in Canva Presentations
Learning Objectives
- Learn how to find and select effective images and icons in Canva's library
- Master cropping, resizing, and layering techniques for professional-looking slides
- Understand how to choose visuals that support your presentation message
Introduction
Your presentation slides need more than just text to keep your audience engaged. Images and icons can make complex ideas clearer, add visual interest, and help your message stick. Canva gives you access to thousands of high-quality visuals and simple tools to customise them.
This chapter shows you exactly how to find the right images and icons, then resize, crop, and layer them to create polished presentation slides that look professional.
Lessons
Finding the Right Images and Icons
Good visuals support your message rather than distract from it. Canva's search function helps you find exactly what you need from their extensive library.
Click the search bar on the left panel and type keywords that relate to your content. For a slide about teamwork, try searching "collaboration", "team", or "meeting". Browse through the results and look for images that match your presentation's style.
Use the filter options to narrow down results. Click "Photos" for realistic images or "Graphics" for illustrations and icons. The colour filter helps you find visuals that match your presentation's colour scheme.
Here's the bit most people miss: specific keywords work better than general ones. Instead of searching "business", try "handshake", "office meeting", or "laptop workspace".
Adding Images to Your Slides
Once you've found the perfect visual, adding it to your slide takes seconds.
Click on your chosen image or icon to add it to your slide. It'll appear in the centre, and you can immediately drag it to where you want it positioned.
Canva's snap guides appear as you move images around. These pink lines help you align visuals with your text and other elements, giving your slide a clean, organised look.
Resizing and Cropping Images
Not every image will fit your slide perfectly. Canva's resize and crop tools help you get the exact look you want.
To resize an image, click on it and drag any corner handle. Hold Shift while dragging to keep the image proportions the same. This prevents your images from looking stretched or squashed.
For cropping, double-click on your image to enter crop mode. Drag the corners of the crop box to focus on the most important part of the image. Click "Done" when you're happy with the result.
This is particularly useful for headshots or product images where you want to zoom in on specific details.
Layering Multiple Elements
Creating slides with multiple images and icons requires understanding how layering works. Think of it like stacking paper cutouts on top of each other.
Add your background image first, then place other elements on top. Right-click on any element and choose "Send to back" or "Bring to front" to change the stacking order.
The transparency slider is your friend here. Select an image and reduce its opacity to create subtle background effects that don't compete with your text.
You can create professional-looking designs by layering a semi-transparent shape over an image, then placing text on top for better readability.
Practice
Create a three-slide presentation about a hobby or interest of yours. Each slide should include:
- One main image that relates to your topic
- At least one icon to highlight key points
- Practice cropping one image to focus on specific details
- Try layering elements on at least one slide
Compare how different visual arrangements change the feel of your presentation.
FAQs
How do I keep images sharp when resizing them?
Always drag from the corner handles and hold Shift to maintain proportions. Avoid making images much larger than their original size, as this can make them pixelated.
Can I use my own photos and icons in Canva?
Yes, click "Uploads" in the left panel and drag your files into Canva. Make sure you own the rights to any images you upload.
What's the best way to layer text over images?
Add a semi-transparent shape or gradient overlay between the image and text. This improves readability while keeping the image visible.
How many visuals should I use per slide?
Less is usually more. One main image plus 1-2 supporting icons typically works better than cramming multiple large images onto one slide.
Jargon Buster
Cropping – Cutting away parts of an image to focus on the most important area
Opacity – How see-through an element is, from 0% (invisible) to 100% (solid)
Layering – Stacking visual elements on top of each other to create depth and hierarchy
Snap guides – Pink lines that appear to help you align elements perfectly on your slide
Wrap-up
You now know how to find appropriate images and icons in Canva, resize and crop them for maximum impact, and layer multiple elements to create professional-looking slides.
The key to great presentation visuals is choosing images that support your message, not distract from it. Practice using Canva's search filters to find exactly what you need, and remember that simple layouts with well-chosen visuals often work better than busy slides packed with images.
Next, you'll learn how to work with text formatting and typography to make your presentation content as readable as it is visually appealing.