Give your social channel a makeover. In Adobe Illustrator, combine a great photo with your logo and formatted text to create a look that represents your style.
What you'll need
This sample file is an Adobe Stock image you can use to practice what you learn in this tutorial. If you want to use the sample file beyond this tutorial, you can purchase a license on Adobe Stock. Check out the ReadMe file in the folder for the terms that apply to your use of this sample file.
Our sample file is correctly sized for a YouTube channel banner. Add your own photo as a background or use our sample photo. Choose File > Place, and then click and drag across the artboard to add it. If needed, click Crop Image in the Properties panel and fit the image to the artboard. Then right-click and choose Arrange > Send to Back to reveal the text.
Personalize the banner with your logo. You can use the logo to the left of the artboard to practice. We also added a colored rectangle that blends with colors in the background image. Then we chose Send Backward to move the rectangle behind the text.
Now you’re ready to customize the text and design. Select each line with the Type tool and replace it with your own text. Then change the font, style, tracking (space between letters), and fill color to create your unique headline and tagline. Here are some variations we explored.
Try changing the weight and width of text dynamically with an OpenType Variable Font. We chose Myriad Variable Concept in the Character section of the Properties panel and clicked the More Options button (three dots) to access the Variable Fonts button.
For a final visual check, view the hidden “Frame” layer and drag it above the “Artwork” layer in the Layers panel. Position all important text and art inside the safe area rectangle — objects within it aren’t affected if your banner art is resized for other uses.
Follow these simple steps to design a social media banner that reflects your channel’s content and personality and looks great on all devices.
With Adobe Stock, you have access to more than 100 million high-quality, royalty-free images including photos, graphics, videos, and templates to jump-start your creative projects. Try Adobe Stock and get 10 free images.
Adobe Stock contributors: LoloStock, Farknot Architect, lumenphotos, guas, Pavel, ilyashapovalov, maksimshirkov
