If you’ve ever seen a design where one part of an image instantly grabs your attention with a glowing neon outline, you know how powerful that effect can be.
It’s eye-catching, modern, and perfect for thumbnails, social media posts, and promotional graphics.
The good news is you don’t need advanced design skills or expensive software to create this look. You can do it entirely in Canva, and the process is much easier than it looks.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to highlight an image with a glowing neon frame in Canva, step by step.
There’s also a video walkthrough that shows the entire process in real time, so you can follow along visually if you prefer.
Watch the Video Tutorial First (Recommended)
Watching the video before or alongside the steps below can make everything click faster, especially if you’re new to Canva or visual effects.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ready:
A free or Pro Canva account
Any image you want to highlight
A basic Canva design (Instagram post, YouTube thumbnail, presentation slide, or blank canvas)
No plugins, downloads, or advanced tools are required.
Step-by-Step: How to Highlight an Image with a Glowing Neon Frame in Canva
Step 1: Open a New Canva Project
Start by opening Canva and creating a new design. The exact size doesn’t matter because the steps work the same for all formats.
You can choose:
Instagram Post
YouTube Thumbnail
Presentation Slide
Custom Size
Blank Canvas
Once your canvas is open, you’re ready to start building the effect.
Step 2: Upload and Place Your Image
Upload the image you want to use by clicking Uploads in the left sidebar and selecting your file.
After uploading:
Drag the image onto your canvas
Resize it so it fills the entire design area
Make sure it’s positioned exactly how you want it
This image will act as your background.
Step 3: Duplicate the Image for Layering
This step is simple but extremely important.
Click on the image
Press Ctrl + D (Windows) or Cmd + D (Mac) to duplicate it
You should now have two identical images stacked on top of each other.
Why this matters: Duplicating the image gives you full control over layering. One image will remain as the background, while the second one will be cropped and highlighted inside the neon frame later.
Step 4: Search for a Neon Gradient Frame
Now it’s time to add the glowing neon frame.
Go to the Elements tab
Type “neon gradient frame” into the search bar
Switch to the Graphics tab
Scroll through the results until you find a glowing frame that fits your style. Canva offers many options, including:
Square frames
Rectangular frames
Circular frames
Rounded frames
A smooth neon gradient frame usually works best for clean, modern designs.
Step 5: Add and Position the Neon Frame
Drag the neon frame onto your canvas.
Once it’s on the design:
Resize it to match the area you want to highlight
Rotate it if you want a dynamic or angled look
Center it or place it off-center depending on your design goal
There’s no single “correct” position. This is where creativity comes in.
Step 6: Customize the Neon Colors
One of the best parts of using Canva is how easy it is to customize colors.
Click on the neon frame
Use the color picker at the top
Change the colors to match your design
Popular neon color choices include:
Neon blue for a tech or futuristic look
Neon pink or purple for social media graphics
Neon green for bold, high-contrast designs
Focus on contrast. The brighter and more distinct the neon color is from the background, the stronger the highlight effect will be.
Step 7: Crop the Duplicated Image to Fit the Frame
This is where the glowing highlight illusion really starts to come together.
Click on the duplicated image (the top layer)
Select Crop
Crop the image so it fits exactly inside the neon frame
If the frame has rounded corners, adjust the crop carefully so the image aligns with those curves. The goal is to make it look like the image is glowing from inside the frame, not just sitting on top of it.
Take your time with this step. Precision makes a big difference in how professional the final result looks.
Step 8: Align the Cropped Image and Frame
After cropping:
Place the cropped image directly behind the neon frame
Make sure the edges line up perfectly
You may need to use Canva’s alignment guides to fine-tune the position. When done correctly, the neon frame should appear to wrap around the highlighted part of the image.
Step 9: Darken the Background Image for Contrast
To make the highlighted area stand out even more, you’ll adjust the background image.
Click on the original background image (not the cropped one)
Click Edit Image
Go to Adjust
Lower the Brightness slightly
You can also:
Reduce contrast
Slightly increase blur (optional)
This creates a subtle spotlight effect where the neon-framed area becomes the clear focal point of the design.
Step 10: Review and Fine-Tune the Design
At this point, you should see:
A glowing neon frame
A cropped, highlighted image inside the frame
A darker background that pushes attention forward
Make small adjustments as needed:
Resize the frame
Shift the highlight area
Adjust brightness levels
Small tweaks can significantly improve the final look.
Creative Variations You Can Try
Once you understand the core technique, you can easily customize it.
Some ideas:
Use a circular neon frame for profile images
Add multiple neon frames to highlight different areas
Combine neon frames with text for callouts
Animate the neon frame if you’re creating a video or GIF
The same steps apply no matter how creative you get.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few issues that can reduce the impact of the neon highlight effect:
Not duplicating the image, which limits layering control
Cropping the image unevenly inside the frame
Using neon colors that don’t contrast with the background
Forgetting to darken the background image
Avoiding these mistakes ensures your design looks intentional and polished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work with a free Canva account?
Yes. Most neon frames are available in the free version of Canva.
Can I use this for YouTube thumbnails?
Absolutely. This effect is especially effective for thumbnails because it directs attention instantly.
Does this work on Canva mobile?
Yes, although it’s easier to align and crop precisely on desktop.
Can I animate the neon frame?
Yes. Canva allows basic animations that can enhance the glowing effect in videos.
Will this affect image quality?
No. As long as your original image is high resolution, the final design will remain sharp.
Final Thoughts
Highlighting an image with a glowing neon frame in Canva is one of those techniques that looks advanced but is surprisingly easy to create.
With just a duplicated image, a neon gradient frame, and a few adjustments, you can completely transform how your designs stand out.
If your first attempt isn’t perfect, don’t worry. Try adjusting the crop, colors, or brightness until the highlight feels right. Watching the video walkthrough can also help you see exactly how each step comes together in real time.
Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll find yourself using it over and over again for thumbnails, posts, and presentations where you want instant visual impact.
Here Are Some of My Favorite Tools For Print-on-demand
As a graphic designer and POD seller, I’ve had the opportunity to discover different helpful products and tools that can be time-saving and make the process of creating your designs a bit smoother.
DESIGNS:Kittl (best for t-shirt designs), Vexels (for professional designs), Placeit (for unique product mockups)
Disclosure: Some of the links above may contain affiliate partnerships, meaning, at no additional cost to you, NechEmpire may earn a commission if you click through to make a purchase.
I'm Miroslav, a passionate graphic designer, Etsy seller and AI enthusiast. At NechEmpire, I'm here to share my knowledge and skills. I want to turn your design passion into a successful online business.
