Your Canvas course card is the first impression students get of your class. A visually appealing and relevant image can set the tone, spark curiosity, and make your course stand out. Updating the image on your Canvas course card is a simple yet impactful way to engage your students.
Below we’ll walk you through the process of selecting, resizing, and uploading an eye-catching image for your course card. We’ll also share tips on how to find copyright-free images that align with your course theme, ensuring your dashboard is as functional as it is visually appealing. By the end, you’ll have the tools to give your course a polished, professional look that captures your students’ attention.
Watch the video below to get started:
Step by Step
1. Determine Theme
Think about what image best represents your teaching module’s theme or subject matter, when updating your canvas course card. For example:
- Science: A lab setting or natural landscape
- Mathematics: Abstract patterns or numbers
- Literature: Books or writing instruments
- Art: Creative materials or artwork
2. Search for an Image:
- Use Flickr:
- Access Flickr’s Creative Commons search directly from Canvas or via Flickr’s Creative Commons page.
- Search for relevant keywords (e.g., “education”, “students”, “nature”).
- Use Google:
- Search for relevant keywords.
- Use the “Tools” menu to filter by “Usage Rights” > “Labelled for Non-Commercial Reuse”.
- Find images you can use and share from Google
3. Verify Image Details:
- Ensure the image matches the size guidelines: approximately 262 pixels wide by 146 pixels high.
- If the image doesn’t meet the size, use a free online resizing tool (e.g., Canva, Pixlr, or Adobe Express).
4. Download and Format:
- Save the image in an accepted format: JPG, JPEG, GIF, or PNG.
- Confirm the file size is appropriate for fast loading in Canvas.
5. Upload to Canvas
- Navigate to the dashboard customization option in Canvas.
- Upload your selected and resized image.
