Create a Stunning 3D Pop-Out Effect in Canva: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 29/06/2025

Want to add a wow-factor to your Canva designs? This step-by-step guide shows you how to create a stunning 3D pop-out effect, easily and without needing advanced design skills. We'll walk you through the simple techniques using Canva's built-in features, transforming your flat images into eye-catching, dimensional masterpieces. Get ready to elevate your designs and impress your audience!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Background

    • Add a mobile photo to your Canva design, expand it to fill the background, and adjust its position.
    Add a mobile photo to your Canva design, expand it to fill the background, and adjust its position.
    Prepare the Background

  2. Prepare the Pop-Out Image

    • Add the image you want to create the pop-out effect with, reduce its transparency, and position it on the mobile phone.
    • Set the transparency of the pop-out image to zero. Add square shapes from the Canva elements and change their color to white.
    Set the transparency of the pop-out image to zero. Add square shapes from the Canva elements and change their color to white. Set the transparency of the pop-out image to zero. Add square shapes from the Canva elements and change their color to white.
    Prepare the Pop-Out Image

  3. Create the Mask

    • Cover the entire canvas with white squares, leaving only the mobile phone screen visible. This creates a mask.
    Cover the entire canvas with white squares, leaving only the mobile phone screen visible. This creates a mask.
    Create the Mask

  4. Export and Prepare for Final Assembly

    • Increase the transparency of the pop-out image to 100%. Download this image in PNG format.
    Increase the transparency of the pop-out image to 100%. Download this image in PNG format.
    Export and Prepare for Final Assembly

  5. Assemble the Layers

    • Delete all the white shapes. Upload the downloaded PNG image and add it to your design. Expand it to the background.
    Delete all the white shapes. Upload the downloaded PNG image and add it to your design. Expand it to the background.
    Assemble the Layers

  6. Remove Backgrounds

    • Use the BG remover tool (under 'Edit Image') to remove the background from your original pop-out image and the background image.
    Use the BG remover tool (under 'Edit Image') to remove the background from your original pop-out image and the background image.
    Remove Backgrounds

  7. Separate Mobile from Background

    • Use the 'Magic Grab' tool (under 'Edit Image') to select and separate the mobile phone from the background image.
    Use the 'Magic Grab' tool (under 'Edit Image') to select and separate the mobile phone from the background image.
    Separate Mobile from Background

  8. Layer Positioning and Background Enhancement

    • Position the layers. Send the background layer backward.
    • Blur the background image using the blur tool under 'Edit Image'. Set intensity to 30. Apply a custom tone effect.
    Blur the background image using the blur tool under 'Edit Image'. Set intensity to 30. Apply a custom tone effect. Blur the background image using the blur tool under 'Edit Image'. Set intensity to 30. Apply a custom tone effect.
    Layer Positioning and Background Enhancement
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Tips

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect layering of elements

Reason: The 3D effect relies on proper layering. If elements are not stacked correctly, the pop-out effect won't be achieved, or it will look messy.
Solution: Ensure the 'pop-out' element is layered on top of the background and any other elements intended to be behind it.

2. Using shadows inappropriately

Reason: Overusing or incorrectly positioning drop shadows can make the 3D effect look unnatural or detract from the design. Poor shadow choices can also clash with other design elements.
Solution: Use subtle shadows and adjust their blur, size, and angle to create a realistic and harmonious pop-out effect.

FAQs

Can I use this 3D pop-out effect on any image in Canva?
While the effect works best with images that have clear outlines and aren't overly complex, you can experiment with various images. However, results will vary depending on the image's quality and detail. Simple shapes and logos generally work best.
What if I don't have a Pro Canva account? Can I still create this effect?
Yes! The techniques described in this guide utilize features available in the free version of Canva. You might have slightly less element choice, but the core effect can be achieved without a subscription.