How to make a YouTube thumbnail in Pixlr (free)
Open Pixlr Express in your browser, pick the Youtube thumb size, add your face and a few big words, and save a JPG or PNG. Here's what's free and what uses AI credits.
3 min read ThumbnailsYouTubeGuidesStudioPixlr runs in your browser, so there's nothing to install, and you can start without an account. Its YouTube templates are made for the standard 1280 x 720 size. Here's the quick way from a blank page to a file you can upload. For the size rules, see [YouTube thumbnail size](/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size).
Open Pixlr Express or Pixlr Editor
Go to pixlr.com and open **Pixlr Express** or **Pixlr Editor**. Express is the simpler one. We'd use Editor when you want more control over layers. We'd use Express for your first thumbnail.
Pick the Youtube thumb size or a template
Start a new image and choose **Youtube thumb** from the size list. That sets the canvas to 1280 x 720. You can also pick a YouTube thumbnail template and swap in your own photo and words. We'd start blank if you already have a look for your channel.
Add your face
Upload your photo as a new layer. Use **Remove background** to cut yourself out, then move yourself to one side of the frame. We'd keep your face big so it reads at phone size.
Add big, short text
Keep it to three or four words and make them large. Add an outline or a shadow so the words stay readable on any background. For font ideas, see [Best fonts for YouTube thumbnails](/blog/best-fonts-for-youtube-thumbnails).
Save as JPG or PNG
Save your thumbnail as JPG or PNG. Pixlr also offers WebP. YouTube wants the file under 2 MB on mobile. Under 50 MB on desktop. We'd pick JPG to keep the file small, and the full rules are in [YouTube thumbnail file size](/blog/youtube-thumbnail-file-size).
What's free and what uses credits
Pixlr is free to use, and paid plans remove the ads. Background removal is free too. Pixlr says you can save with a transparent, black or white background, completely free.
Some generative AI tools use AI credits. For example, Pixlr asks "Use AI to fill the expanded area? (2 credits)" when you expand an image. Pixlr accounts include a limited number of AI credits that don't renew.
Paid plans, as Pixlr lists them today:
Prices can change, so check [Pixlr's pricing page](https://pixlr.com/pricing/) before you pay.
Check it before you upload
Run the JPG through [Thumbly Score](/thumbly-score) for a quick look at how it reads at small sizes.
