🔹 Introduction
A great YouTube Banner (Channel Art) helps your channel stand out and make a professional first impression. You don’t need expensive tools like Photoshop — you can easily design an eye-catching banner using Paint on your Windows 11 PC!
In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create a perfect YouTube banner using Paint, with the correct size, alignment, and export settings.
🔹 Step 1: Know the YouTube Banner Size
YouTube recommends the following size for banners:
-
Recommended Size: 2560 × 1440 pixels
-
Safe Area for Text & Logo: 1546 × 423 pixels (center area visible on all devices)
-
Maximum File Size: 6 MB
-
Supported Formats: JPG, PNG
👉 Always keep your text and important visuals within the safe area so they look perfect on mobile, TV, and desktop.
🔹 Step 2: Open Paint and Set Canvas Size
-
Open Paint on your Windows 11 PC.
-
Go to File → New.
-
Click Resize → Pixels.
-
Enter 2560 (width) and 1440 (height).
-
Click OK to apply the dimensions.
Now you have the perfect YouTube banner canvas!
🔹 Step 3: Add Background and Shapes
-
Choose a solid color background or use the Fill tool for gradients.
-
Add rectangles or shapes to divide areas for text or photos.
-
You can also import images or textures as your background.
💡 Tip: Use light or dark tones depending on your channel’s theme — minimal designs look professional.
🔹 Step 4: Add Channel Name and Text
-
Click the Text (A) tool.
-
Type your Channel Name, slogan, or tagline.
-
Use large, bold fonts like Segoe UI Bold, Arial Black, or Montserrat.
-
Center align your text inside the safe area (1546 × 423 pixels).
🔹 Step 5: Add Icons or Logos
-
Go to File → Insert Picture and add your logo or icon.
-
Resize and position it within the banner’s safe area.
-
Adjust brightness or add a border using the Shapes and Color tools.
🔹 Step 6: Save the Banner
-
Click File → Save As.
-
Choose PNG format for best quality.
-
Name your file something like
YouTube_Banner.png.
Your banner is now ready to upload!
🔹 Step 7: Upload to Your YouTube Channel
-
Open YouTube Studio → Customization → Branding.
-
Under Banner Image, click Upload.
-
Choose your saved banner.
-
Adjust the crop area if necessary, and click Publish.
Your new professional banner will appear on your channel instantly. 🎉
🔹 Key Features
-
100% free method — no paid software needed.
-
Designed entirely in Paint on Windows 11.
-
Uses official YouTube-recommended dimensions.
-
Quick, simple, and perfect for beginners.
🔹 Perfect For
-
New YouTubers creating a professional channel look.
-
Artists or creators wanting a minimalist banner design.
-
Anyone without Photoshop or design tools.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the ideal banner size for YouTube?
2560 × 1440 pixels, with the safe area 1546 × 423 pixels in the center.
Q2: Can I use Paint 3D instead of Paint?
Yes, Paint 3D provides more effects and 3D text options if you prefer.
Q3: Why is my banner cropped on mobile?
Because only the safe area appears on smaller screens. Keep text inside that area.
Q4: What file format should I save the banner in?
Save it in PNG for the best quality and clarity.
Q5: Can I add photos or channel logo in Paint?
Yes, you can import any image and place it anywhere within your banner design.
