To replace images in Canva, select the existing picture, choose Replace in the editor toolbar, then pick a new image from Uploads or Photos. This works in the current desktop and mobile editors, including for pictures inside frames and grids. You can use these controls with a Free or paid account, subject to access to the image you choose.
For a frame or grid, you can also drag the replacement directly into its placeholder. Page backgrounds have a separate Replace background option. After any replacement, check the crop and placement because previous adjustments may not carry over.
The short version
- Regular pictures: Select the image, choose Replace, and select its replacement.
- Your own photos: Open Uploads and select Upload files before replacing the existing picture.
- Frames and grids: Drag the new image over the target placeholder until it snaps inside.
- Mobile carousels: Use Replace multiple to assign new media to several template placeholders.
- Page backgrounds: Add the new image to the page, then select Replace background from its options.
| Method | Where to start | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Toolbar replacement | Select the picture, then Replace | Swap an existing image |
| Upload your own file | Uploads > Upload files | Use a picture from your device |
| Frame drag and drop | Drag media from Photos or Uploads | Fill an existing frame |
| Frame context menu | Right-click, then select Replace image | Replace frame contents on desktop |
| Grid drag and drop | Select the target grid space | Change one grid cell |
| Mobile camera roll | Tap the picture, then Replace | Change a social carousel picture |
| Multiple mobile replacements | Replace > Replace multiple | Fill several carousel placeholders |
| Page background replacement | Add an image, then select Replace background | Use a specific background picture |
| Background browsing | Apps > Background | Choose suggested background imagery |
| Photo background generation | Edit > Tools > BG Generator | Generate a background behind a photo’s subject |
| Manual replacement | Delete the old image and add another | Rebuild a standalone image’s placement |
| Generated photo edits | Edit > Tools > Magic Edit | Replace an object or the whole photograph |
| Unlocking | Unlock page or Lock > Unlock | Allow replacement when a lock prevents editing |
Replace a picture with the toolbar
Open your design and select the image you want to change. Choose Replace in the editor toolbar, then select the new picture from Uploads or Photos. You can use this same route for an image already inside a frame or grid.
Check the replacement’s crop, position, and any filters or timing relevant to your design. Replacing the picture does not guarantee that every previous adjustment will be preserved. If the subject looks cut off inside a frame or grid, adjust the picture within its container using the steps below.
Upload your own replacement photo
Open Uploads in the editor side panel and select Upload files. Choose the image you want to use and let it upload. On desktop, you can also drag a file from your computer into Uploads.
Once the upload finishes, select the old picture on the page and choose Replace. Open Uploads and choose your new image. For a frame or grid, you can instead drag the uploaded image directly into the intended placeholder.
Swap pictures inside frames and grids
For an occupied frame, open Photos or Uploads in the side panel, selecting Apps first if the media tab is hidden. Find the replacement and drag it over the frame until it snaps into place. Double-click the inserted picture to reposition or resize it inside the frame, then select Done.
On desktop, you can also right-click an occupied frame and select Replace image. Choose the replacement image or video in the side panel. For an empty frame, the corresponding command is Replace.
With a grid, select the target grid space, then open Photos or Uploads, selecting Apps first when needed. Drag the replacement over that space until it snaps inside. Double-click the picture to adjust its position or size, then select Done.
Replace photos in the mobile app
In a social carousel template in the Canva mobile app, tap the picture you want to replace. Tap Replace in the bottom toolbar, then choose a photo or video from your phone’s camera roll. Double-tap the replacement to adjust its framing.
For several pictures in a mobile carousel template, tap an image, choose Replace, then tap Replace multiple. Tap an existing template thumbnail at the bottom and select the photo or video that should replace it. Repeat for the remaining placeholders, then review the framing on each slide.
Change the page or photo background
To replace the page background image, open Elements > Photos, or choose a picture from Uploads. Add the replacement to the page, then right-click it or open the more-options menu on its floating toolbar. Select Replace background, then double-click the new background to adjust its framing.
To browse suggested background images, open Apps > Background and choose a replacement. These page background workflows work in desktop and mobile designs that support backgrounds. You cannot change page backgrounds in Canva Docs.
To generate a background inside a photograph while retaining its subject, select the photo and open Edit > Tools > BG Generator. Describe the new background, select Generate, and choose a result. This option requires access to BG Generator.
Place a replacement image manually
For a standalone image or graphic that needs a different size or position, select the old image and choose Delete on its floating toolbar. On desktop, you can instead press Backspace on Windows or Delete on Mac. This removes the old element before you add its replacement.
Open Elements, Photos, or Uploads and select the replacement. Drag it into position and resize it using its handles. You will need to recreate the size and placement manually.
Replace part of a photo with Magic Edit
Use Magic Edit when you want to generate a different object or change the whole photograph. With access to the tool, select the photo and open Edit > Tools > Magic Edit. Choose All for the entire image, Brush to paint the target area, or Click to select an object.
If you choose Brush, paint the area and select Continue before entering your description. Describe the replacement you want, then select Generate and review the resulting image. AI tool access depends on your account, allowance, language, region, and administrator settings.
If you want to swap in a specific existing photo, use the editor’s Replace control and select that file. If an older tutorial directs you to the former Effects section for replacement editing, use Edit > Tools > Magic Edit instead.
Fix an image that will not change
A locked image or page can prevent replacement. If the page is locked, open the page thumbnail’s options menu and select Unlock page. Then select the image and choose Lock > Unlock from its floating toolbar, provided you have permission to unlock it.
For a position-locked page, press Alt + Shift + L on Windows or Option + Shift + L on Mac to cycle through the lock states until it is unlocked. Select the image again and return to Replace. These keyboard steps require a keyboard, and locking is unavailable in Canva Docs.
If you cannot unlock an element, check whether your role permits it. Students cannot unlock teacher-locked elements. If uploading or choosing a replacement is restricted, your team’s Brand controls may limit uploads or available assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you replace a Canva image with a video?
Yes, you can replace an image inside a frame or grid with a video in the desktop editor. Select the image, choose Replace in the editor toolbar, then choose replacement media from Videos or Uploads.
Can you replace an image in a PDF imported into Canva?
Yes, when the individual image remains editable after import. Import the PDF through Uploads > Upload files, open the imported design, then drag a replacement from Elements or Uploads onto the existing editable image. Scanned or flattened pages do not expose separate picture objects. Canva recommends a desktop browser for advanced PDF editing.
How can you replace a picture embedded in a flattened JPG or PNG?
With sufficient AI allowance, select the flattened image and choose Edit > Magic Layers to separate it into editable layers. After processing, select the separated picture layer and replace it, or delete it and add the new image. You can use Magic Layers with single-page JPG or PNG images up to 5000 pixels on the longest edge, and it works best with graphic designs and illustrations.
Can you use a replacement photo from Google Drive or Dropbox?
Yes, open Apps in the desktop or mobile editor, choose the storage app, and select Open. Select Connect if prompted, complete the provider’s sign-in flow, then choose your image and use the appropriate replacement workflow. Supported storage sources include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box. Access depends on provider and team permissions.