Making a Desktop Wallpaper

Learn how to create a custom desktop wallpaper in Canva. Choose a template, personalize, and download!

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Last Edited Time
Jul 3, 2025 11:57 PM
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Platform
Canva
Category
Graphic Design
Topic
Wallpaper
AI summary
Create custom desktop wallpapers using Canva by selecting templates, uploading personal photos, adding text, and adjusting colors. The free version is sufficient for basic designs, and wallpapers can be downloaded in various formats.
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Create Your Own Desktop Wallpaper with Canva

TL;DR:

  • Use Canva's desktop wallpaper templates to create custom backgrounds without design experience
  • Upload your own photos, add text, and adjust colours to match your style
  • Free version covers basic wallpaper creation, premium elements cost extra
  • Download directly to your computer in various formats
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface makes the whole process straightforward

Main Content

Getting Started with Canva

Head to Canva's website or open the app and search for "desktop wallpaper" in the templates section. You'll find loads of different styles, from minimalist designs to bold patterns. Pick something that catches your eye as a starting point.

Customising Your Wallpaper

Choosing Your Template

Browse through the options and click on one that feels right for your space. Don't worry about getting it perfect straight away - you can change almost everything about it.

Making It Your Own

Adding Your Photos Click the upload button to add your own images. This could be anything from holiday snaps to abstract photos you've taken. Your personal images will make the wallpaper actually yours rather than something everyone else has.
Adding Text Want to include a favourite quote or reminder? Click on the text tool and type away. Canva has plenty of fonts to choose from - just don't go overboard mixing too many different styles.
Changing Colours Click on any element to change its colour. If you're not sure what works together, stick to colours that are already in your photos or pick a simple two-colour scheme.
The drag-and-drop system means you can move things around until they look right. If something doesn't work, just delete it and try something else.
Pixelhaze Tip: Keep it simple with your colour choices and fonts. Two or three colours max, and no more than two different fonts. Your desktop needs to stay readable with all your icons on top.

Downloading Your Wallpaper

Once you're happy with how it looks, click the download button in the top right. Choose the format that works for your computer - PNG usually works well for wallpapers. The file will save to your downloads folder, ready to set as your background.

FAQs

Can I use my own photos in Canva wallpapers? Yes, upload as many as you want. Your own photos make the wallpaper much more personal than using stock images.
Do I need to pay to make a wallpaper in Canva? The basic features are free and enough for most wallpapers. You'll only pay if you want premium images or special effects.
What size should my wallpaper be? Canva's desktop wallpaper templates are already sized correctly for most screens. If you need a specific size, you can create a custom dimension.
Can I make wallpapers for my phone too? Absolutely. Search for "phone wallpaper" templates and follow the same process.

Jargon Buster

Templates - Pre-made designs you can customise rather than starting from scratch
Drag and Drop - Click on something, hold the mouse button down, move it where you want it, then let go
PNG - A file format that keeps images crisp and clear, good for wallpapers
Custom Dimensions - Setting your own width and height measurements instead of using Canva's preset sizes

Wrap-up

Making your own desktop wallpaper in Canva takes about 10 minutes and gives you something completely unique for your computer. The free version handles most of what you need, and you can always upgrade later if you want access to more images or effects. Roll your sleeves up and give it a go - your desktop will thank you for it.
Become a Pixelhaze Academy member for free to gain access to more Canva tips and tricks: https://www.pixelhaze.academy/membership

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