Canvas size (also called paper size or page size) in PixelLab refers to the dimensions of your working area. Setting the correct canvas size is crucial for:
- Ensuring your design fits the intended platform
- Maintaining image quality
- Avoiding unwanted cropping or stretching
- Professional-looking results
Accessing Canvas Size Settings
Step-by-Step Instructions:
#1 Open PixelLab and start a new project or open an existing one
#2 Locate the bottom toolbar with various editing options
#3 Tap the "image size" button (icon shows a square with diagonal arrows)
#4 A dialog box will appear showing current dimensions and aspect ratio
Understanding Presets
PixelLab offers convenient preset sizes for popular platforms, eliminating the need for manual calculations.
Available Presets:
When you tap the "Preset" dropdown menu, you'll see options like:
- Custom - Manual entry
- Square - Equal width and height
- Profile Picture (square) - Optimized for profile photos
- YouTube channel banner - Channel art size
- YouTube thumbnail - Video thumbnail size
- Facebook cover art - Facebook cover photo
- Google Plus cover photo - Google+ header
- Twitter header size - Twitter banner
How to Use Presets:
- Tap the Preset dropdown (default shows "Custom")
- Select your desired format from the list
- PixelLab automatically fills in the correct dimensions
- Tap "OK" to apply
Custom Canvas Dimensions
For projects requiring specific sizes not available in presets, use custom dimensions.
Setting Custom Size:
- Keep Preset set to "Custom"
- Enter Width in pixels (left field)
- Enter Height in pixels (right field)
- Observe the aspect ratio automatically calculated at the top (shown in red)
- Tap "OK" to confirm or "CANCEL" to abort
Input Fields Explained:
- Width: Horizontal dimension in pixels
- Height: Vertical dimension in pixels
- Aspect Ratio: Proportional relationship between width and height (e.g., 16:9, 1:1, 4:5)
Aspect Ratios Explained
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon.
Common Aspect Ratios:
Calculating Aspect Ratio:
Formula: Divide Width by Height and simplify
Example:
- Width: 2560, Height: 1440
- 2560 ÷ 1440 = 1.777...
- Simplified: 16:9
Standard Size Reference Chart
Social Media Platforms:
Facebook:
Profile Picture: 180×180 px (minimum)
Cover Photo: 820×312 px
Post Image: 1200×630 px
Event Cover: 1920×1080 px
Instagram:
Profile Picture: 180×180 px (recommended)
Square Post: 1080×1080 px
Landscape Post: 1080×608 px (minimum)
Portrait Post: 1080×1350 px (minimum)
Stories/Reels: 1080×1920 px
IGTV Cover: 420×654 px
YouTube:
Channel Banner: 2560×1440 px
Video Thumbnail: 1280×720 px (minimum)
Profile Picture: 800×800 px
Video End Screen: 1920×1080 px
Twitter/X:
Profile Picture: 400×400 px
Header Image: 1500×500 px
Tweet Image: 1200×675 px
LinkedIn:
Profile Picture: 400×400 px
Cover Image: 1584×396 px
Post Image: 1200×627 px
Print Sizes (at 300 PPI):
Print Size Calculations
When designing for physical printing, you must convert between pixels and physical units (inches, cm).
Understanding PPI (Pixels Per Inch):
- Screen Display: 72-150 PPI
- High-Quality Print: 300 PPI (standard)
- Large Format Print: 150-200 PPI (banners, posters)
Conversion Formulas:
Pixels to Inches: Inches = 1 Pixels ÷ PPI
Inches to Pixels: Pixels = 1 Inches × PPI
Pixels to Centimeters: 1 Pixels = Inches × PPI
Centimeters to Pixels: 1 Centimeters = (Pixels ÷ PPI) × 2.54
Practical Examples:
Example 1: Designing a Business Card
Standard size: 3.5" × 2"
At 300 PPI:
Width: 3.5 × 300 = 1050 px
Height: 2 × 300 = 600 px
Example 2: Creating a Poster
Size: 18" × 24"
At 300 PPI:
Width: 18 × 300 = 5400 px
Height: 24 × 300 = 7200 px
Example 3: Instagram Post from CM
Desired: 10 cm × 10 cm square
At 300 PPI:
Pixels = (10 ÷ 2.54) × 300 = 1181 px
Canvas: 1181 × 1181 px
Best Practices
For Social Media:
✅ DO:
- Use platform-specific presets when available
- Design at 1080px width minimum for Instagram
- Use 1280×720px minimum for YouTube thumbnails
- Keep important content in the "safe zone" (center area)
- Export at highest quality settings
❌ DON'T:
- Use images smaller than recommended
- Stretch or distort images
- Ignore aspect ratios
- Forget about mobile vs. desktop viewing
For Print:
✅ DO:
- Always use 300 PPI for quality prints
- Add bleed margins (0.125" extra on all sides)
- Use CMYK color mode if possible (convert after PixelLab if needed)
- Calculate exact pixel dimensions before starting
❌ DON'T:
- Use screen resolution (72 PPI) for print
- Ignore bleed requirements
- Rely solely on pixel dimensions without checking physical size
General Tips:
- Start Large, Scale Down: It's easier to reduce size than enlarge
- Maintain Aspect Ratio: Prevents distortion
- Check Platform Guidelines: Sizes change; verify before finalizing
- Save Templates: Create templates for recurring projects
- Test Before Publishing: Preview on actual device when possible
Troubleshooting Tips
Problem: Image appears blurry or pixelated
Solutions:
- Increase canvas size before adding elements
- Use high-resolution source images
- Export at 100% quality
- Avoid enlarging small images
Problem: Canvas size is wrong after starting
Solutions:
- Use "image size" to adjust (may crop/stretch)
- Start a new project with correct dimensions
- Copy elements from old to new canvas
Problem: Text or elements outside visible area
Solutions:
- Check canvas boundaries before exporting
- Use guides or grid (if available)
- Keep important content within center 80%
Problem: Exported image wrong size
Solutions:
- Verify canvas size before exporting
- Check export settings
- Ensure you're not resizing during save
- Confirm PixelLab didn't auto-compress
Quick Reference Card
Most Common Sizes:
Most Common Sizes:
Mastering canvas size in PixelLab is essential for creating professional designs. Whether you're using presets for social media or calculating custom sizes for print, understanding dimensions, aspect ratios, and PPI will ensure your designs look perfect on any platform.
Remember:
- Use presets for speed and accuracy
- Always verify dimensions before finalizing
- 300 PPI for print, 72-150 PPI for screen
- When in doubt, go larger and scale down