A geofilterfor Snapchatis a great way to give a personal touch to your city, event, or business. In this guide, I will show you step by step how to createyour own geofilter using the free online image editing software Canva. All you need is an account with Canva and a bit of creativity.
Key Insights
- Canva provides a user-friendly platform for creating geofilters.
- The premium version is required to download designs with a transparent background.
- Make sure to leave enough space at the top and bottom when designing, as parts of the filter may be cut off in use.
Step 1: Registering with Canva
To get started, go to the Canva website:

If you don’t have an account yet, you can easily register. Just enter your first name, last name, an email address, and a password. After signing up, you are ready to create your designs on the platform. If you want to use the premium version, you can test it for free for a month.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Dimensions
Once you are logged into Canva, search for “geofilter” in the search bar or select custom dimensions. A common size for geofilters is 1000 x 2000 pixels. This gives you plenty of space to be creative.

Step 3: Templates and Custom Designs
Next, you can choose from various templates or start with a blank design. Canva offers many creative options, such as designs with clear texts or graphics that you can customize. For this geofilter, I would recommend working with a template that you like.

Step 4: Customizing Your Geofilter Template
Once you have selected a template, you can change the text, colors, and graphics to make your filter unique. Be sure to leave space at the top and bottom, as the geofilter will be cropped in the Snapchat app.

Upload your own images by going to the upload area. Here you can upload images from your computer and use them as backgrounds. You can then adjust and resize these images in your design.

Step 5: Text Formatting
The text is a central element of your geofilter. For example, add your business name or the event. Choose a font and adjust the size and color. Make sure the text is clearly legible. You can also apply different styles and effects to your text.

Step 6: Adding Graphics and Elements
Use Canva's element library to add relevant graphics. You can use icons, frames, or lines to refine your design. Think about how these additional elements can support your geofilter design.

Step 7: Download and Format
Once you are satisfied with your design, it’s time to download it. To ensure that your geofilter can be used on Snapchat, you need to download the design as a PNG file with a transparent background. This is only possible with the premium version, so make sure you have that activated.

Step 8: Platform for Submitting Your Geofilter
In the next step, you will upload your geofilter to the Snapchat geofilter platform. This is typically done via the website, where you select your designs as well as the desired location and occasions.

Summary
Creating Snapchat Geofilters Easily with Canva
To create your own geofilter for Snapchat, all you need is a Canva account. Make sure to use the premium version to download your design with a transparent background. Keep enough space at the top and bottom of your design to ensure optimal use in the Snapchat app.
FAQ
How do I create a geofilter for Snapchat?You can create a geofilter using Canva by choosing a template, customizing it, and downloading it as a PNG with a transparent background.
Do I need a paid subscription to download a geofilter?Yes, you need the premium version of Canva to download designs with transparent backgrounds.
What size should my geofilter be?A common size for geofilters is 1000 x 2000 pixels, with the file saved in PNG format.
Can I change my geofilter template after downloading it?After downloading, it is not possible to change the graphic. You would need to create a new file.
How do I upload my geofilter to Snapchat?Go to the Snapchat geofilter platform, select your desired location, and upload your design.