7 Easy Ways To Add A Border In Canva

You’ve come to the right place! In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about adding borders to your elements in Canva.

Ways To Add A Border In Canva

The best way to add a border in Canva is to first select Elements, then, go to the Frames section and click on a frame that has a border style. Drag and drop your image into the frame to add the border to the image.

This applies to using Canva in a Mac, PC, desktop, tablet, mobile, and browser app. Here are the various methods and steps on how to add a border in Canva.

Method 1: Frames In Elements

Frames in Canva aren’t just your regular rectangle or square. They come in a wide variety of designs, from geometric patterns to organic shapes.

Using frames allows you to venture beyond traditional border styles, giving your projects a distinctive look that can align with themes or specific moods.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Access the Frames Section

On the left-hand side toolbar, locate and click on the Elements tab.

Within Elements, find the option labeled Frames. Select See All and this will display a variety of frame shapes and styles.

Go to the Search Bar, and type in the keyword borders next to the magnifying glass icon.

Step 2: Select A Border Frame

You can select any of the huge range of frames with borders in the panel. Click once for it to appear on your Canva page. You can select the one that looks like an outline in Canva or any patterned border.

Adjust the size and position as necessary.

Step 3: Insert Your Image into the Frame

Drag your desired image from the uploads section or Canva’s library. Hover over the frame until the inside of the frame lights up or shows a highlighted border, then drop the image.

The image will automatically adjust to fit the shape of the frame, effectively cropping away parts of the image and adding a unique border.

You can change the size of the frame based on your design requirements.

Method 2: Frames In Edit Image

In this method, slightly opposite from the first method, the first step here is to add your image to the Canva design page before adding the frame.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Access The Edit Image Tool

Begin by either uploading a new image to Canva or selecting one from the Canva library. Drag the image onto your canvas, adjusting its size and position as needed.

Click on your chosen image. This will activate a menu at the top of the canvas.

Among the various options, click on the Edit Image tool.

Step 2: Choose Border Frame

Within the Edit Image menu, look for an option labeled Frames. This section houses various frames that can act as borders.

Click See All to browse through the assortment of frames. They might range from simple, clean lines to ornate patterns and designs.

Click on a frame to apply it to your image. It will automatically wrap around your image, acting as a border.

Step 3: Experiment With Frame Styles

Don’t hesitate to try out different frames to see which one enhances your image best. Simply click on another frame to replace the current one.

Once you’re satisfied with the frame border around your image, click on the Apply button to lock in the border design.

Method 3: Shapes

Using shapes for borders offers a distinct advantage: customization. While traditional border tools might limit you to specific widths or styles, shapes allow for intricate adjustments in size, orientation, and layering.

Want a broad, semitransparent border? Or perhaps a double-layered, colorful one? Shapes make these possible. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose A Basic Shape

Start with an image already placed on your Canva canvas, ensuring it’s positioned as you want it.

On the left-hand sidebar, click on the Elements option.

Under Elements, you’ll find a section for basic shapes like rectangles, circles, triangles, etc.

For a traditional rectangular image, choose the rectangle shape, or use keyboard shortcut, R on your keyboard. For a circle, use the keyboard shortcut, C. Once you type the letter on your keyboard, the shape appears on your Canva design canvas.

For other shapes, click the chosen shape once and it will appear on your canvas.

Step 2: Adjust Size And Colors

Consider adjusting the transparency of the shape so that you can see through it to know where the position of your image is. This is just temporary and you can change it back to full opacity later.

Select the shape and resize the shape slightly larger than your image for the border to surround the image by clicking and dragging the corners or sides of the shape.

Ensure the shape covers slightly more than the entire image, and the border width looks consistent on all sides.

Step 3: Position Shape

Right-click on the shape, choose Layer, and choose the option Send To Back in the drop-down menu. This will place your image on top of the shape, making the shape act as a border.

With the shape still selected, change the Transparency value back to 100.

If you’re using multiple shapes for a layered border effect, ensure they’re appropriately ordered in layers.

Customize Further with Multiple Shapes:

• For a unique touch, consider adding multiple shapes as borders. For instance, a combination of a large, semitransparent rectangle with a thinner, solid rectangle can create a layered border effect.
• Simply repeat the steps above for each shape, ensuring they’re layered correctly.

Method 4: Use Graphics As Borders

Graphics can make a border more than just a boundary. Instead of a plain line around your image, graphics can introduce themes, evoke emotions, and truly make the image stand out.

Whether it’s a festive feel with holly leaves during Christmas or a vintage aura with ornate flourishes, graphics allow for a thematic and creative touch. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Access The Graphic Section

With your image already opened up on your canvas, next, on the left-hand sidebar, click on the Elements option.

Navigate to the Graphics section and select See All. This section houses various graphics that can act as borders.

Step 2: Choose Border Graphic

Type in the keyword borders in the Search Bar.

A range of various graphic border styles will appear in the panel. Browse for the one you want.

Once you’ve found a graphic border that fits your vision, click on it to add it to your canvas.

Step 3: Position The Graphic

Position the graphic so it acts as a part of the border. For instance, if you have chosen floral graphics, you can place them at the corners or intermittently along the edge of the image.

Resize or rotate as needed to ensure the graphic aligns well with the image’s dimensions.

Method 5: Shadows

Unlike traditional solid borders, shadows offer a gradient transition, making images seem like they’re hovering over the background. You can also use the shadows function in Canva to create a solid border if you like.

Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Access The Shadows Section

Click on your image to bring up the top menu.

Among the presented options, locate and click on the Edit Image tool.

Within the Edit Image panel, find the option labeled Shadows and select See All.

Step 2: Choose A Shadow

Select a shadow from the various styles that appear. In this example, I’ve selected Glow by clicking on it once. You will see a shadow effect appear around your image.

Step 3: Adjust Shadow Settings

Next, click on the Controls button in the middle of your shadow selection.

A few rows of settings appear where you can toggle to adjust the style of your shadow border and see the changes happen in real-time.

• Size: The bigger the size value, the bigger the shadow.
• Transparency: I brought this up to 100
• Blur: Adjust the blur to make the shadow border more or less diffused, harder, or softer. In this example, I’ve brought the value down to 0.
• Color: While most shadows are black or grey, feel free to experiment with colors that might complement your image or design by clicking the Color tile. I’ve changed the color to purple.

Examine the shadow border around your image. If it feels too harsh, increase the blur. If it’s too subtle, adjust the color or reduce the blur slightly.

Once you are good with the border, select the Apply button at the bottom of the Controls panel for it to take effect.

Method 6: Draw

Choosing to use the Draw feature for borders adds a unique, handcrafted feel to images. It can range from quirky doodles to sophisticated hand-drawn lines.

Especially for projects where a personal or artistic vibe is essential—like invitations, scrapbooks, or blogs—this approach can set your design apart. Here are the steps on how to make a border on Canva:

Step 1: Select Your Drawing Tool

In the left-side menu, find the option for Draw or a pencil icon representing the drawing tool.

Canva typically offers three types of drawing tools, a pen, a marker, and a highlighter, each providing a different line style. Choose one that aligns with the aesthetic you’re aiming for.

Before drawing, pick a color from the Color Tile that complements your image or the mood of your design.

Step 2: Draw Your Border

Begin drawing around your image. Whether you want a continuous line, a series of dashes, or even a patterned border, let your creativity flow.

For a smoother experience, use a stylus or digital pen if you’re on a touch device.

With the Draw feature, you’re not limited to simple lines. Feel free to add doodles, motifs, or any other decorative element at the corners or along the border to enhance its appeal.

Method 7: Templates

For those who want to achieve a professional look without spending too much time on design, or for users who might feel overwhelmed by the myriad of customization options, pre-made border templates are a godsend.

They offer an instant uplift, ensuring your image stands out with minimal effort.

Step 1: Browse And Select Template

Launch your Canva design canvas, select the Design option in the left-side menu, and go to the Templates tab.

In the provided Search Bar or within the chosen design category, type keywords like borders, framed, or specific styles you have in mind like vintage or modern.

You’ll find many templates with different border styles. Browse and select a template with a pre-made border by clicking on it once.

Step 2: Replace The Placeholder Image

Most templates come with a placeholder image. Click on it to select, then press the delete key or the trash icon.

Drag and drop your desired image into the template. Most of the time, it will automatically fit into the pre-made border. Otherwise, manually adjust and resize your image to fit.

Step 3: Customize If Needed

While the template offers a ready-made design, you’re not bound by it. Feel free to adjust the border’s color, thickness, or even add additional elements if you wish.

You can resize or reposition your image within the border to ensure it’s centered and showcases the most crucial parts.

Add Border In Canva: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Click on the Elements tab in the left-hand side toolbar.
2. Go to Lines & Shapes and select See All.
3. Select the square shape.
4. Go to the Editor Toolbar above the canvas and select Border Style.
5. Select a border style.
6. Increase the border weight value to 1 or more.

1. Add a Shape for Border: Click on the Elements tab on the left-hand side. Under Shapes, choose a rectangle.
2. Change Rectangle Color: With the rectangle selected, click on the Border Color Tile in the Editor Toolbar above your canvas to pick your desired border color.

1. Create Your Text Box:

• Start by clicking on the ‘Text’ tab on the left sidebar in Canva.
• Choose a text style or simply click on “Add a heading” or “Add a subheading” to create a new text box.
• Type in your desired text.

2. Add a Rectangle for the Border:

• Click on the ‘Elements’ tab on the left sidebar.
• Choose ‘Shapes’ and select the rectangle shape. This rectangle will serve as your border.

3. Resize and Position the Rectangle:

• Drag the corners of the rectangle to resize it, making it slightly larger than your text box.
• Position the rectangle behind your text box. You can do this by right-clicking on the rectangle and choosing the “Send backward” option until the text is on top of the rectangle.

4. Adjust the Rectangle’s Color:

• With the rectangle selected, use the color palette at the top to select your desired border color.
• If you want the inside of the rectangle to be transparent (so only the border shows), click on the colored square (representing fill color) and select the checkerboard pattern, which represents transparency.

5. Adjust the Text Box Position:

• Position the text box over the rectangle so that it appears centered, and the rectangle acts as a border.

6. Group the Text and Rectangle:

• To ensure the text box and its border move together and stay aligned, click and drag to select both the text and the rectangle.
• Once both are selected, click on the ‘Group’ option at the top. They will now move as a single unit.

Though Canva doesn’t have a direct ‘add border’ function for every element, there are clever strategies you can employ to make sure your borders are even and symmetrical. Other than this, here are more ways you can make an even border in Canva:

1. Use the Grids and Rulers:

• Activate grids and rulers by going to ‘File’ in the top left corner, then toggle on ‘Show rulers’ and ‘Show guides’.
• These tools can help you align your elements perfectly and ensure that your borders are even on all sides.

2. Adding a Border to the Entire Canvas:

• Choose a Rectangle Shape: Go to ‘Elements’, select ‘Shapes’, and then pick the rectangle shape.
• Resize: Stretch the rectangle to cover the entire canvas.
• Choose Border Color: Select the rectangle and use the color tool to choose your border color.
• Duplicate and Adjust: Duplicate the rectangle, then adjust its size to be slightly smaller, and position it centrally on the original rectangle. Change the color of this inner rectangle to match the background or make it transparent, creating an even border effect.

3. Using the Lock Aspect Ratio for Images:

If you want to create an even border around an image:

• Add a rectangle or square shape (based on the shape of your image).
• Place and resize the shape slightly larger than your image, creating a background. This becomes your border.
• Select the image, and using the corner handles, resize it while holding down the “Shift” key (this maintains the aspect ratio, ensuring evenness).
• Center the image over the rectangle or square to create an even border.

4. Utilize Spacing for Text Boxes:

For text boxes:

• Click on the ‘Text’ tab and input your text.
• On the top toolbar, you’ll see ‘Spacing’. By adjusting the padding, you can create an even space (or border effect) around your text inside its bounding box.

5. Use the Position Tool:

• Canva offers a ‘Position’ tool in the top right toolbar, which helps to center elements both horizontally and vertically. This tool can be invaluable when you’re trying to position a smaller element inside a larger one to create an even border.

6. Group Elements:

After creating the desired border effect, ensure you group related elements. This makes sure they move together, preserving the evenness of the border.