Add space around an image without AI generation
Expand the canvas when you need a clear margin, a transparent border, or a solid background around a photo. The original picture stays at its existing pixel size and is centered inside a larger canvas. The added space is deliberately empty or colored, rather than a generated continuation of the scene.
This is useful for product layouts, consistent image padding, placing a picture on a presentation, or leaving room around artwork. For a natural continuation of sky, ground, or scenery, use the separate AI image expansion tool.
How to expand the canvas
- Select a JPG, PNG, or WebP image from your device.
- Enter the padding in pixels. The same amount is added to every side.
- Choose a transparent background or a solid color. Use the color control when a solid background is selected.
- Choose Expand canvas, inspect the preview, and download the PNG.
For example, adding 100 pixels of padding to a 1200 × 800 image produces a 1400 × 1000 canvas. The source remains 1200 × 800; it is neither stretched nor cropped. The result is not necessarily the same aspect ratio as the source.
Transparent versus solid backgrounds
Transparent padding is useful when another application or website will supply the final background. The checkerboard in the preview indicates transparency; it is not part of the downloaded PNG. Some image viewers display transparent pixels against white or black.
Solid padding gives the canvas a defined color. The selected color also shows through any transparent pixels already present in the source. If you need to preserve those transparent areas, choose Transparent.
Canvas expansion, resizing, or AI outpainting?
Canvas expansion adds a known amount of blank space. Resizing changes the source dimensions. Cropping removes source pixels. AI outpainting generates new content outside the borders. Choose the operation according to whether you need blank margin, a different size, a tighter frame, or a continuation of the scene.
Processing and size limits
The image is processed in this browser tab and is not sent to a server or image provider. Supported inputs are limited to 10 MB and 24 megapixels. Padding ranges from 0 to 2048 pixels per side. The final canvas must be no more than 8192 pixels on either side and 24 megapixels total.
Downloads are PNG so transparent space can be retained. Expanding the canvas increases the output area and may increase file size. Use the resize tool afterward if your destination requires smaller dimensions.
Common questions
Does this fill the new space with scenery?
No. It adds transparent or solid-color padding. Use AI expansion for generated background.
Can I add padding to just one side?
This version adds equal padding to all four sides. The AI tool has directional controls for generated expansion, but uses a different workflow.
Does this change the original pixels?
The canvas draws the source at its existing size. Export may change encoding, metadata, or color handling, so it is not a byte-for-byte preservation tool.