How to change background in Canva, select your canvas or image, then use the Background Generator or Color settings to update its look. You can also use tools like Match Subject and Relight for seamless blending between elements and backgrounds.
If you want to refresh your Canva design, changing the background is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to transform its overall appearance. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to change both background colors and background images, and how to use Canva’s latest AI-powered tools such as Background Generator and Magic Edit for professional results in just a few clicks.
Method 1: Change the Background Color of the Canvas
Step 1: Select the Background
Click anywhere on the blank canvas area (outside of any images or text elements). This ensures you’re editing the actual canvas background rather than a specific design element.
Step 2: Open the Color Picker
From the top-left toolbar, click on the Color tile.
Choose from:
- Solid colors
- Gradients
- Your Brand Kit palette (available in Canva Pro)
You can also enter a HEX color code for precise color matching.
Step 3: Customize Gradients (Optional)
If you’re using a gradient background, select it and adjust both color endpoints, as well as the angle or intensity. Canva allows smooth gradient customization, letting you create subtle transitions or bold backgrounds.
For a softer visual effect, you can even fade an image into the background using transparency controls.
Method 2: Change the Background Color of an Image
Step 1: Select the Image
Click the image whose background color you want to modify. Make sure it’s active by confirming the blue outline around it.
Step 2: Open the Edit Panel
Click Edit Image, then choose the Background section from the side panel.
Step 3: Use Adjust Settings
Use sliders to modify:
- Temperature and Tint (for color shifts)
- Brightness, Contrast, and Saturation (for light or dark adjustments)
Fine-tune until the background matches your desired aesthetic. This method is ideal for adjusting tones without replacing the entire background.
Method 3: Change the Background Image with Background Generator
Step 1: Select the Image
Click on the image whose background you wish to replace.
Step 2: Use the Background Generator Tool
Go to Edit → Background Generator.
Enter a descriptive prompt such as “lush green grass background” or “modern office interior.”
Canva’s AI will automatically generate multiple high-quality backgrounds that match your prompt.
Step 3: Enhance with Match Subject
After generation, click Match Subject and choose either:
- Balanced Relight (for subtle lighting adjustments)
- Maximum Relight (for a dramatic, fully integrated look)
This step ensures that your subject and new background blend naturally, creating a cohesive, realistic image.
If you need a full background replacement, check out Canva’s one-click Replace Image feature for faster edits.
Method 4: Use Magic Edit (Alternative)
Step 1: Open Magic Edit
Navigate to Edit → Magic Edit (available for Canva Pro users). This tool uses AI to intelligently modify specific parts of your design.
Step 2: Highlight the Background
Use the brush to mark the area you want to replace, then type your prompt — for example, “dark grass field” or “studio background.”
Step 3: Review and Apply
Canva will generate several realistic variations. Scroll through the options and choose the one that best fits your project.
While Magic Edit delivers powerful results, Background Generator generally provides more natural and seamlessly lit backgrounds, especially for complex images.
Method 5: Manual Method Using Background Remover
Step 1: Remove the Background
Use Background Remover (Pro feature) to isolate your subject.
Alternatively, you can manually cut out the image using Canva’s Erase or Crop tools for finer control.
Step 2: Add a New Background
From the Photos tab, search for a background image such as “green grass,” “city skyline,” or “studio backdrop.”
Drag it onto your canvas, then right-click and select Send to Back to position it behind your subject.
Adjust size, opacity, or blur for a natural look.
Although effective, this manual method is more time-consuming — using Background Generator usually offers faster, more professional-quality results.
FAQ: How to Change Background in Canva
How do I change the background color in Canva?
Click on the canvas background, then select a color from the top-left color picker. You can also use gradients or choose from your Brand Kit colors for brand consistency.
Can I change the background color of an image?
Yes. Open Edit → Background, then use the Adjust settings (temperature, brightness, and tint) to modify the color tone of your image background.
What’s the fastest way to replace an image background in Canva?
Use Canva’s Background Generator tool. Simply type your desired background description, and Canva automatically replaces and blends it seamlessly using AI.
Is Magic Edit better than Background Generator?
Both tools are effective. Magic Edit is ideal for targeted edits, while Background Generator produces more realistic and balanced results through relighting options.
Can I still remove a background manually?
Yes. Use Background Remover (available in Canva Pro) or manually erase areas using Canva’s Erase tool, then add a new background from the Photos library.
You can read this article if you have these questions.
Want to learn How to change background in Canva? It’s super easy and takes only a few clicks.
You can quickly master How to change background in Canva to make your designs stand out.
Beginners often ask How to change background in Canva for photos, videos, or presentations.
Knowing How to change background in Canva helps you create professional-looking graphics.
If you’re unsure How to change background in Canva, just open your design and select “Background.”
Learning How to change background in Canva lets you use solid colors, gradients, or custom images.
Many creators search How to change background in Canva to remove or replace dull backdrops.
With AI tools, How to change background in Canva becomes faster and more precise.
Understanding How to change background in Canva improves your social media posts instantly.
Explore tutorials on How to change background in Canva to boost your design skills today.
You Can Also visit this article
How Much Does Canva Cost Per Month in 2025?
