Creator Toolkit

YouTube Thumbnail Maker

Create a video thumbnail with your own background image and editable text layers. Move and style text, preview your design, and export a real PNG or JPEG in your browser.

Processed in your browser — files are not uploaded

Starting layout (replaces text)

Choose a background image

or click to browse from your device

JPG, PNG, WebP·25 MB · 40 million pixelsProcessed in your browser

Background colorDark overlay: 20%

Selected text layerText (new lines supported)

FontFont size (1280 px basis)Text colorAlignment

Bold Italic

Horizontal anchor: 50%Vertical anchor: 42%

Thumbnail preview · 3840 × 2160

Select text in the layer menu, then drag anywhere on the canvas to move that layer. Position sliders and arrow keys also work. Keep text inside the preview; lines do not automatically wrap.

Export dimensionsExport format

JPEG quality: 90%

YouTube specifications, verified October 12, 2026: 16:9 video thumbnails, recommended 3840 × 2160. Mobile upload limit: 2 MB; desktop: 50 MB. Check the exported file size and current placement requirements.

How to use YouTube Thumbnail Maker

Start a design

Choose an original text layout, background color, or your own JPG, PNG, or WebP background (up to 25 MB).

Edit text layers

Select a layer, edit its text and style, and set its position. Drag the selected layer on the canvas or use arrow keys and position controls.

Export your thumbnail

Download the actual canvas as JPEG or PNG. Recommended video dimensions are 3840 × 2160; smaller 16:9 exports are available.

Processed in your browser

This tool runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Files you select are not uploaded to any server. Processing happens locally on your device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which fonts and templates are included?

Layouts are original text arrangements. Arial, Georgia, and Verdana use fonts already on your device; no external fonts or copyrighted template assets are downloaded.

Will it work for Shorts?

This editor creates 16:9 video thumbnails. Shorts have a different 9:16 recommendation. Platform presentation and acceptance may vary.

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