How to use PhotoVim

Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)

Updated 2026-09-11

Thumbnails are seen small, so text must not blend into the photo. A stroke and a shadow keep it readable over any background.

Steps

Tap a step picture to see it full size

  1. Pick the YouTube Thumbnail preset in New — it creates a 1280 × 720 canvas.

    Pick the YouTube Thumbnail preset in New — it creates a 1280 × 720 canvas. — Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)

  2. Drop your photo in and size it.

    Drop your photo in and size it. — Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)

  3. Press T and enter a short headline. To style only a few characters, select them while editing, then change the font or color. Check that the rest of the text stays unchanged.

    Press T and enter a short headline. To style only a few characters, select them while editing, then change the font or color. Check that the rest of the text stays unchanged. — Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)

  4. Turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in layer style to separate it from the photo.

    Turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in layer style to separate it from the photo. — Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)

  5. Export as JPEG and inspect the downloaded image at a small size. Keep a project copy so you can change the headline later.

    Export as JPEG and inspect the downloaded image at a small size. Keep a project copy so you can change the headline later. — Make a YouTube thumbnail (1280 × 720)
Worth knowing

Check contrast at the size viewers will see, not only while zoomed in. Avoid placing important text in the bottom-right corner, where a duration badge can cover it.

Try it in the editor

Questions

The text disappears into the background.

Turn on Stroke and Drop Shadow in Layer Style. A slight bend with Warp Text makes it stand out more.

Is there a file size limit?

Check the current upload requirements in YouTube Studio. If the exported file is too large, lower JPEG quality and inspect readability again.