Create Facebook Cover Photos with Canva
TL;DR:
- Search "Facebook Covers" in Canva to browse templates
- Customise colours, images, and text to match your brand
- Keep dimensions at 851 x 315 pixels for proper display
- Save as JPG format before uploading to Facebook
- Use Canva's preview tool to check how it'll look
Facebook cover photos are the first thing people see when they visit your profile or page. Getting this right makes a solid first impression, and Canva makes the whole process straightforward.
Getting Started with Templates
Open Canva and type "Facebook Covers" into the search bar. You'll see loads of templates covering different styles and themes. The variety is decent – from clean professional layouts to more creative designs.
Pick something that roughly matches what you're after. Don't worry if it's not perfect – you can change pretty much everything once you start editing.
Customising Your Design
Here's where you make the template your own:
Colours: Change the colour scheme to match your brand colours or personal preference. Click on any coloured element and you'll get colour options.
Images: Upload your own photos to replace the stock images. Your own content always works better than generic placeholder images.
Text: Add your own messaging. Canva gives you plenty of font options, but don't go overboard – stick to one or two fonts maximum.
Pixelhaze Tip: Keep text minimal on Facebook covers. The platform displays profile pictures and other elements over your cover, so too much text can look cluttered.
Technical Requirements
Facebook has specific requirements for cover photos:
Dimensions: 851 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. Canva templates are already sized correctly, but if you're working from scratch, these are the numbers you need.
File Format: Save as JPG for the best quality and fastest loading times.
File Size: Keep it under 100KB if possible. Facebook will compress your image anyway, but starting with a reasonable file size helps maintain quality.
Before You Upload
Use Canva's preview feature to see how your cover will look on Facebook. This shows you where your profile picture will sit and how other Facebook elements might overlap with your design.
Check that important text or imagery isn't positioned where it'll be covered by your profile picture or other interface elements.
FAQs
Can I use my own images in Canva Facebook cover templates?
Yes, you can upload and use your own images. Click on any image in the template and select "Replace" to upload your own photo.
Do I need Canva Pro to create Facebook covers?
No, Canva's free version has plenty of Facebook cover templates. Some premium elements require a paid subscription, but you can create professional-looking covers without upgrading.
Can I work on a Facebook cover with my team in Canva?
Yes, Canva lets you share designs with others and collaborate in real-time. Click "Share" and invite team members to edit the design together.
Why does my cover photo look different after uploading to Facebook?
Facebook compresses images when you upload them, which can affect quality. Also, covers display differently on mobile vs desktop, so some cropping might occur.
Jargon Buster
Canva: Web-based design tool for creating graphics, including social media images and covers.
Facebook Cover: The large banner image at the top of Facebook profiles and pages.
JPG: Image file format that balances quality with file size – ideal for photos with lots of colours.
Pixels: The tiny dots that make up digital images. Facebook covers need to be 851 pixels wide and 315 pixels tall.
Wrap-up
Creating Facebook covers in Canva is straightforward once you know the basics. The key is picking a template that's close to what you want, then customising it with your own content and colours. Keep the technical requirements in mind, preview before uploading, and you'll have a professional-looking cover in no time.
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