Start a New Project: Go to Canva, sign in, and click on "Create a design." Choose "Custom dimensions."
Recommended Overlay Size: The standard size for streaming overlays is typically 1920x1080 px (Full HD), which fits the dimensions of most streams.

Now that your canvas is set, you can start designing your overlay.

a. Add Background:

Choose a solid color, gradient, or an image as the background. Many streamers prefer transparent backgrounds for overlays (this allows you to place it over the game or webcam feed).
If you want transparency, select File > Download > PNG and check the “Transparent Background” box when downloading.

b. Frame Your Camera & Other Widgets:

Use shapes (rectangles, circles, or custom frames) to create space for your webcam, alerts, or other information (like a follower count, recent subscriber, etc.).
To create a camera frame: Search for "Frame" in the Elements tab to find preset shapes or draw a custom rectangle.
Resize and position the frames on your overlay.

c. Add Graphics and Branding:

Search Canva’s library for stream-themed elements like banners, borders, and icons. You can find a lot of free and premium graphics that suit streaming.
Add your personal branding like logos, emotes, or social media handles. Canva has an easy drag-and-drop interface to place these elements wherever you want.

d. Use Text:

Add text boxes for things like "Be Right Back," "Starting Soon," or other stream information. You can adjust the font, size, and color.
Make sure the text is legible and stands out from the background.

If you want to include more interactive elements, consider adding:

Alerts: You can design alert graphics (such as a pop-up for new followers/subscribers). These can be static images or animated elements.
Transitions: Create transitions that appear when switching scenes.
Social Media/Info Bars: Add a bar at the top or bottom of your screen for social media handles or current stream info.

Transparent PNG: Once you’re happy with the design, go to File > Download and choose the PNG format. Select the “Transparent background” option if you want the background to be see-through.
JPG/MP4: If you’re working with a static image or an animation, you can also download as a JPG for static overlays, or as an MP4 for animated elements.

Open OBS Studio and create a new scene or select an existing one.
Add a New Source: Click the + (Add) button in the "Sources" box and select Image for a static overlay or Media Source if it’s animated.
Choose your exported overlay file and adjust its position and size on your stream.
Make sure your webcam feed, game capture, or other sources are properly positioned underneath the overlay (you can adjust this in the "Sources" panel by dragging layers up or down).

In OBS, you can fine-tune your overlay by resizing and positioning elements, making sure your webcam, alerts, or other graphics fit within your custom design.
You can also add additional sources in OBS like text, browser sources for alerts, or widget sources for live data like followers/subscribers.

Keep It Simple: Don’t clutter your overlay with too many elements. Focus on clean, readable design.
Contrast: Ensure that your text and key elements have enough contrast to stand out against the background.
Transparency: If you’re using transparent elements, be mindful of how the game or webcam feed looks beneath the overlay. Avoid distracting or overly bold patterns.
Consistency: Stick to a consistent color scheme and font style that aligns with your brand.
Test Before Streaming: Always preview how your overlay looks in OBS before going live.

Create an Overlay with Canva Part One