How to Create a Spotlight Effect in Canva
Written by Casey Botticello
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Sometimes, when creating a graphic design, you want to add flair or underscore the tone that a certain image conveys. If you want to help an image standout, using Canva to create a glow effect that outlines the image, can be a great option. This Canva tutorial will teach you how to create a glow effect in Canva, in just a few, simple steps!
How to Create a Spotlight Effect in Canva
1. Select Your Image
Search for a good picture. Here we searched for the ‘Man Posing’ keyword in the ‘Photos’ section. Set it as your background.
2. Choose Your Frame
Search for the ‘Frames’ in the ‘Elements’ section and put the circle frame over the image. Make sure to cover the areas you want to add the spotlight effect.
3. Adjust Image Positioning
Now fit the photo in the circle frame to blend with the original image.
4. Edit Image Settings
Go to ‘Edit Image’ and apply these settings.
- Brightness – 15
- Contrast – 5
- Saturation – 5
- Blur – -5
- Vignette – 50
- Clarity – 3
- Shadow – -20
And lock the frame.
5. Place Shape Over the Image
Go to the ‘Elements’ section and search for the Shape. Select the square. Make the color of the shape black and put it over the whole page. And place it the backward once.
6. Search for Blurred Circle
Get a new page and search for the ‘ Circle blurred shadow frame’ and place it over the whole page.
7. Edit Your Image Using Duotone Effects
Now put the DuoTone – Classic effect on the shape. With all white colors.
8. Adjust Image Settings
Make the background black, so you can see the shape in white. Make a copy of the shape. Apply the following settings to the first shape.
- Brightness – 100
- Saturation – 100
- Blur – -100
- Warmth – 100
- Clarity – 100
- Viberance – 100
- Highlights – 100
- Shadows – -100
9. Adjust Image Positioning
Put the circle over the image and put it backward.
10. Adjust Image Size
Put the second circle over the frame. Make it a little bigger.
11. Align Images
Now place the same image again and apply the following settings.
- Brightness – -25
- Contrast – 25
- Saturation – 40
- Vignette – 100
Make the transparency – 45 and place it over the whole image.
Conclusion
Canva is an amazing graphic design tool, and I hope you found this tutorial covering how to create a spotlight effect in Canva, useful! Click here to read our comprehensive Canva Guide. If you are interested in downloading Canva or trying Canva Pro for free, click here. Below are several related Canva tutorials that you might find useful:
