Replace an image by selecting it and uploading a new one

To replace an image in Canva, click the image you want to change, then click the Replace button that appears in the toolbar above the canvas. A menu will open where you can upload a new image from your computer, search Canva's library, or paste a link. The new image will take the place of the old one while keeping the same size and position on your design.

This method works whether you're editing a design you created from scratch or one you started from a Canva template. The replaced image stays in the exact spot the original occupied, so you don't have to reposition or resize anything unless you want to.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the image on your canvas, then click the Replace button in the toolbar to swap it for a new one without moving it.
  • You can upload an image from your computer, choose one from Canva's stock library, or paste an image URL.
  • The replacement image automatically fits the dimensions of the original, so layouts stay intact.
  • If Replace doesn't appear in your toolbar, make sure you have clicked directly on the image itself, not the background.
  • You can undo a replacement by pressing Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) when ready after the swap.

Finding and clicking the Replace button

When you click an image on your Canva canvas, a toolbar appears above it with several options. The Replace button sits in this toolbar—it usually shows an icon of two overlapping squares or a refresh symbol. On desktop, it's one of the first buttons you'll see. On mobile, you may need to tap the three-dot menu to find it.

Make sure you're clicking the image itself, not the canvas background. If you click the background or an empty area, the image toolbar won't appear. You'll know you've selected the image correctly when you see the selection handles (small squares) around its edges.

Uploading a new image from your computer

After you click Replace, a menu opens with several upload options. Select Upload to choose a file from your computer. A file browser window will open where you can navigate to your image and select it. Canva accepts JPG, PNG, SVG, and WebP formats.

Once you select the file, Canva uploads it and places it in the exact position and size of the image you replaced. The upload usually completes within a few seconds, depending on file size and your internet connection. If the new image has a different aspect ratio than the original, Canva will fit it to the old image's dimensions, which may crop or letterbox the new image.

Choosing from Canva's image library

Instead of uploading your own image, you can replace it with one from Canva's built-in library. Click Replace, then select Search or Browse to look through millions of stock photos, illustrations, and graphics. Type a keyword—like "sunset" or "office meeting"—and scroll through the results.

When you find an image you want, click it once to select it. Canva will when ready swap it into your design. Most images in Canva's library are free to use in your designs, though some premium images require a paid Canva account or a one-time purchase.

Pasting an image from a URL

If you have a direct link to an image on the web, you can paste it into Canva without downloading the file first. Click Replace, then look for a Paste URL or Link option. Paste the full web address of the image and press Enter. Canva will fetch the image and place it in your design.

This method works best with images hosted on public websites. If the link is broken or the image is no longer available online, Canva will show an error message. Make sure you have permission to use the image before pasting its URL into your design.

What happens when the new image has a different shape

If your replacement image has a different aspect ratio—for example, if you replace a square image with a wide rectangle—Canva will fit it to the original image's dimensions. This may mean the new image is cropped on the sides, or it may have empty space (letterboxing) on the top and bottom.

After the replacement, you can resize the image manually by dragging the corner handles outward. You can also right-click the image and select Crop to trim away the extra space or adjust what part of the image shows. If you want the image to fill the space completely without cropping, drag a corner handle while holding Shift to resize it proportionally.

Undoing a replacement and other fixes

If you replace an image by mistake, undo the change when ready by pressing Ctrl+Z (on Windows) or Command+Z (on Mac). This will bring back the original image. You can undo multiple steps if needed—Canva keeps a history of your recent changes.

If you've already saved and closed your design, you won't be able to undo the replacement. In that case, you'll need to open the design again and manually replace the image a second time with the correct one. To avoid this, always check the new image before you close your design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace multiple images at once?

No, you must replace images one at a time. Click each image individually and use the Replace button for each one. If you have many images to swap, this takes longer, but it ensures you replace the correct images with the correct new ones.

What if the Replace button doesn't show up?

Make sure you clicked directly on the image, not on the background or another element. If the image is grouped with other objects, you may need to ungroup it first. Right-click the image and select Ungroup if that option appears, then try replacing it again.

Does replacing an image change the size of my design?

No. The replacement image takes on the size and position of the original image. Your overall design layout stays the same. You can resize the new image afterward if you want it larger or smaller.

Can I replace an image with a video or animation?

The Replace button works only for static images. To add a video or animation, you'll need to delete the image and insert a new element separately using the Upload or Search buttons in the main toolbar.

Will replacing an image affect my design if I'm using it as a background?

If the image is set as a background layer, replacing it will swap the background image but keep all other elements in place. Your text, shapes, and other images will stay where they are. You can adjust the new background's brightness or blur using the image editing tools if needed.