Replace an image by clicking it, then selecting "Change image" from the toolbar

To replace an image in Canva, click the image you want to swap out. A toolbar will appear above it with several options. Look for the button labeled "Change image" — it usually shows two overlapping squares or a similar icon. Click it, and Canva will open a panel where you can search for a new image, upload your own, or browse stock photos. Select your replacement, and Canva swaps it in when ready while keeping the same size and position.

The replaced image takes on the dimensions of the original, so you won't have to resize or reposition anything. If the new image doesn't fit the space the way you want, you can still resize it afterward by dragging the corner handles.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the image you want to replace, then click "Change image" in the toolbar that appears above it.
  • You can search Canva's stock library, upload a photo from your computer, or use an image you've already uploaded to your account.
  • The new image will fill the same space as the old one, so you won't need to reposition it unless you want to adjust the crop or size.
  • If you want to undo the change, use Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) when ready after replacing the image.

Finding images to replace with in Canva's library

When you click "Change image," Canva opens a search panel on the left side of the screen. At the top you'll see a search box where you can type what you're looking for — "sunset," "office," "family," or any other term. Canva's stock library includes millions of free and premium images. Free images have a small label; premium images show a crown icon and require a paid Canva subscription to use.

Below the search box, you'll see category tabs like "All," "Photos," "Illustrations," and "Videos." Clicking these narrows your results. You can also scroll through suggested images without searching. When you find one you want, click it once to preview it in your design, then click it again to confirm the replacement.

Uploading your own image to replace with

If you want to use a photo from your computer instead of Canva's library, click the "Upload" tab in the image panel. This opens a file browser where you can select a photo from your device. Canva accepts JPG, PNG, SVG, and WebP files. Once you select a file, it uploads and appears in your design when ready.

Uploaded images are saved to your Canva account under "Your uploads," so you can reuse them in other designs without uploading again. This is useful if you have a set of branded photos or personal pictures you use regularly.

Using images you've already uploaded to your account

If you've uploaded images to Canva before, they appear in the "Your uploads" section of the image panel. Click that tab to see all your previous uploads organized by date. This is faster than searching the stock library if you're replacing with a photo you know you've used in Canva already.

Your uploads stay in your account indefinitely, so you can build a library of branded images, logos, or personal photos and pull from them whenever you need a replacement.

Replacing images in different design types

The "Change image" button works the same way whether you're designing a social media post, a flyer, a presentation, or a document. Click the image, click "Change image," and select a replacement. The process doesn't change based on design type.

One thing to watch: if your design has a background image (not a regular image element), you may need to right-click it instead of left-clicking. Background images sometimes use a different menu. If "Change image" doesn't appear, try right-clicking the image to see if a context menu offers a replacement option.

Keeping the same style when you replace an image

When you replace an image, Canva keeps any effects, filters, or borders you applied to the original. If the old image had a drop shadow, rounded corners, or a color overlay, the new image will have those same effects applied automatically. This saves time when you're swapping out photos in a template or updating a design with fresh images.

If the new image looks different under those effects — for example, a filter that worked well on a bright photo looks too dark on a moody one — you can adjust or remove the effects after replacing. Click the image again and look for the "Effects" or "Filter" button in the toolbar.

Undoing a replacement if you change your mind

If you replace an image and when ready realize you made a mistake, press Ctrl+Z on Windows or Command+Z on Mac to undo. Canva's undo function works for the last several actions, so you can step back through multiple replacements if needed.

If you've closed the design and come back later, you won't be able to undo the replacement. In that case, you'll need to replace the image again with the one you want. Keep this in mind if you're experimenting with different images — save versions of your design if you think you might want to go back to an earlier choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to the size and position of the image when I replace it?

The new image fills the same space as the original. If the new image has a different aspect ratio (for example, replacing a square photo with a wide landscape photo), Canva will crop it to fit the original dimensions. You can manually adjust the crop or resize the image afterward if you want a different look.

Can I replace an image with a video?

Yes. When you click "Change image," the panel includes a "Videos" tab. You can search for stock videos or upload your own. The video will play in your design if you're sharing it digitally, though it won't animate in a static export like a PDF or image file.

Do I lose the original image when I replace it?

No. Replacing an image in your design doesn't delete the original from anywhere. If you uploaded it to Canva, it stays in your account. If it was from Canva's stock library, it's still there. You can use it in other designs anytime.

Why doesn't "Change image" appear when I click on something?

You may have clicked on a text box, shape, or background element instead of an image. Make sure you're clicking directly on the image itself. If it's a background image, try right-clicking instead of left-clicking. If it's a shape or text, those elements use different editing tools.

Can I replace multiple images at once?

No. Canva requires you to replace images one at a time. Click each image individually and select "Change image" for each one. If you're working with a template that has many images, this takes a few extra minutes, but it ensures each replacement looks right in its space.