How do I change a logo color in Canva?

You can effectively change a logo's color in Canva, with the exact method depending on whether your logo is a vector graphic (like an SVG or a Canva element) or a raster image (like a PNG or JPG).

How to Change a Logo Color in Canva

Changing a logo's color in Canva is straightforward, offering several methods to achieve your desired look. The ease of changing colors largely depends on the file type of your logo.

1. Changing Colors for Canva Elements or Uploaded SVG Logos

This is the simplest and most direct method, ideal for logos created using Canva's built-in elements or vector-based SVG files you've uploaded. Vector graphics retain their editable properties, allowing for easy color adjustments.

Step-by-Step for Vector Logos:

1. Select the Logo/Element: Click on your logo or the specific element within the logo that you wish to recolor on your Canva canvas.

2. Access the Color Palette: Once selected, a color tile will appear in the toolbar at the top of your screen. This tile usually displays the element's current color.

3. Choose a New Color:

   • Click the color tile.
   • A color panel will open, showing document colors, default colors, and color suggestions.
   • You can select a predefined color, use the eyedropper tool, or click "Add a new color" (the rainbow square) to open the full color picker and choose a custom hexadecimal color or drag the selector.
   • The logo or element will instantly update to the new color.

   Practical Tip: If your SVG logo appears as a single, uneditable image after uploading, it might have been flattened during creation. Try re-uploading the original SVG or exploring the methods for raster images.

2. Using Duotone or Other Effects for Raster Images (PNG/JPG Logos)

When your logo is an uploaded raster image (such as a PNG or JPG file), you cannot directly change its individual colors like a vector. Instead, you'll use Canva's photo editing tools and effects, such as Duotone, to apply a new color scheme.

Step-by-Step Using Duotone:

1. Select Your Logo: Click on the uploaded PNG or JPG logo on your canvas.

2. Access Edit Photo: In the toolbar above the canvas, click "Edit Photo".

3. Apply Duotone Effect:

   • In the side panel, scroll down to the "Effects" section.
   • Find and click on "Duotone".
   • You'll see various Duotone presets like "Sepia," "Cherry," "Emerald," etc. Click on any of these to apply a quick two-color effect.
   • To customize further, click on the Duotone effect again (the small three-line icon) to open its settings.
   • You can then adjust the Highlights and Shadows colors individually using the color picker to achieve your desired look.
   • Choose from any of the colors available in the Duotone settings for your element's highlights and shadows.

   Insight: The Duotone effect overlays two chosen colors onto the light and dark areas of your image, effectively re-coloring it with a new dominant palette.

Other Effects for Raster Images:

• Filters: In the "Edit Photo" panel, explore the "Filters" section. Applying a filter can change the overall tone and color temperature of your logo. While not a direct color change, it can alter the perception of the logo's color.
• Adjust: The "Adjust" section allows you to fine-tune aspects like brightness, contrast, saturation, tint, and color balance. Experimenting with "Tint" and "Color Mix" can sometimes push the image towards a different color hue.

3. Applying a Color Overlay (Workaround for Raster Images)

For raster images where Duotone or filters don't give the precise result you need, a color overlay can be a creative workaround.

Step-by-Step for Color Overlay:

1. Upload Your Logo: Place your PNG or JPG logo on the canvas.
2. Add a Shape: From the left-hand menu, go to "Elements" and choose a square or rectangle shape.
3. Cover the Logo: Resize the shape to completely cover your logo.
4. Choose a Color: Select the shape, click the color tile in the toolbar, and pick your desired overlay color.
5. Adjust Transparency: With the shape still selected, click the "Transparency" icon (looks like a chessboard) in the toolbar. Lower the transparency to blend the color with your logo underneath.
6. Experiment with Blend Modes (Pro feature): If you have Canva Pro, select the shape and click the "Position" icon (stacked squares), then explore "Blend modes" to see how the overlay color interacts with the logo (e.g., Multiply, Screen, Overlay).

Summary Table: Changing Logo Colors in Canva

Logo Type	Easiest Method(s)	Description
Canva Built-in Elements	Direct Color Picker	Select the element, click the color tile in the toolbar, and choose from the color palette.
Uploaded SVG Files	Direct Color Picker (if vector properties are retained)	Select the SVG, click the color tile in the toolbar, and select your new color.
Uploaded PNG/JPG Files	Duotone Effect, Filters, Adjustments, Color Overlay (Workaround)	Select the image, click "Edit Photo", then use Duotone to recolor highlights/shadows, or apply Filters and Adjustments. A transparent Color Overlay can also be used.

By understanding these different approaches, you can effectively modify the color of any logo within your Canva designs.