Step 1: You can either upload your own image or pick one from Canva’s huge media library. Cats, landscapes, your ex’s prom photo – whatever.
Step 2: Click on the image. Don’t skip this. If you don’t select the image first, Canva just sits there judging you silently.
Step 3: Look at the top editing bar. See the ‘Edit Image’ button? Click that. Now you’re in.
Step 4: Keep scrolling until you reach the Apps section. Canva really tries to hide this tool, probably because it’s too much fun. Click on Liquify once you find it.
Pro tip: If you get dizzy from scrolling, just type “Liquify” in the search bar inside the Effects panel.
Step 5: Now, you’ll see options like:
Melt – turns your image into digital soup
Wobble – makes it look like it had too much coffee
Smear – kind of like finger painting on your screen
Smudge – for that “someone sneezed on the lens” effect
Flow – looks like the wind is trying to kidnap your image
Click one. Try another. Go wild. No one’s watching.
Step 6. Once you’ve picked an effect, Canva gives you sliders to play with:
Want more wobble? Slide right.
Want less melt? Slide left.
Want total photo madness? Max everything out.
Seriously, it’s like playing with digital playdough. No rules, no mistakes—just chaos with style.
Step 7: If you’re done laughing or gasping at what you just created, click Apply and then Download. You’ve liquified an image in Canva. You’re now officially 12% closer to being a digital artist.
Important
Here’s what you really need to know:
Canva hides the Liquify tool deep in the menu, but it’s there.
The tool gives multiple effects. Try each one—don’t just melt and run.
You can undo changes anytime. It’s not permanent until you click “Apply.”
It works on any image: photos, logos, illustrations.
This is not a high-tech tool for pixel-perfect designers. This is for real people who want to make cool stuff fast.
If your images look a little too normal, liquify them. Twist reality just a bit. Make your photo look like it had a rough day and still showed up. Because let’s be honest—sometimes boring just won’t cut it.
FAQs
What does liquifying an image in Canva actually do?
It distorts your image using effects like melt, flow, and smudge. It makes the image look warped, twisted, or stylized.
Can I use the liquify tool on Canva’s free plan?
Yes, but some advanced versions of the tool or image effects may need a Canva Pro account.
Is liquify available on mobile?
Yes, but it’s harder to use precisely. The desktop version gives better control.
Can I adjust how much the image is liquified?
Definitely. Canva lets you use sliders to control the strength of the liquify effect.
What kind of images work best with liquify?
Faces, pets, scenery, logos—basically anything you want to make look funky or fluid.
Can I undo liquify effects after applying them?
If you haven’t saved your file, just hit “Undo.” Once saved, you’ll need to re-edit or upload the original again.
Does the liquify tool lower image quality?
Not really, but overusing the effect can make things blurry or distorted in a bad way.
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.
