> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.channable.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.channable.com/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/the-image-editor/image-editor-basics.md).
# Image editor basics
The Channable Image Editor lets you create and edit templates for product images.
A template has a [canvas](#work-on-the-canvas) (the background you work on) and objects for text, images, and shapes. Each object appears as a layer in **Layers**, where you control its stacking order.
## Work on the canvas
The canvas is the blank area where you build your template.
Before you start adding objects to your template, you might want to make the following changes to your canvas, using the **Settings** tab:
| Setting | Description | Details |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Size](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/adjust-the-size-and-background-of-an-image.md) | Defines the template's final output dimensions. | Choose from a list of pre-set sizes, or enter your own. |
| [Background Color](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/adjust-the-size-and-background-of-an-image.md#configure-the-background) | Sets the solid or gradient color behind all objects. | Select a color with the **Color Picker** or enter a hex code. |
| [Grid settings](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/use-the-grid-and-snap-to-grid.md) | Aligns objects on the canvas. | Turn the grid display on and off, and customize it for easier use when editing. |
### Canvas controls and tools
These controls sit on the right side of the canvas.
| Icon/Control | Description |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
|
Zoom In/Out (Dropdown)
|
Change the viewing size of the canvas.
Use the dropdown to zoom in and out by percentage
OR Scroll using your mouse to zoom in and out.
|
|
Center (Target icon)
| Center the canvas on your screen. |
|
Select object (Arrow icon)
| Select and move individual objects on the canvas. |
|
Move/pan (Hand icon)
| Move the entire canvas view around. |
|
Undo/redo (Circular forward and back arrows)
| Undo or Redo your last action. |
|
Preview template on items (Forward and back arrows)
| See [how the template changes](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/preview-your-template.md#preview-directly-in-the-image-editor) as you cycle through imported items. |
### Layer types
Objects add images, shapes, and text to the canvas. Each object appears as a layer in **Layers**. Use **Layers** to control their stacking order. New layers can have default names such as `obj_1` or `obj_2`. Rename them when needed.
Image and text objects can use static content or a project field. An image object that uses a project field is a dynamic image. Text that includes a project field is dynamic text.
{% hint style="warning" %}
**Important:** Use a project field that exists in every project where you use the template.
{% endhint %}
Use the **Text**, **Image**, and **Shape** buttons at the top of the canvas to add new objects to your template.
You can create three types of objects:
* Text object: For static text or text from product fields, such as titles.
* Image object: For static images or product images from an image field.
* Shape object: For static shapes like boxes, lines, and arrows.
Learn how to [manage and design layers](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/manage-layers.md).
Learn how to [add text](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/add-text.md) or [add shapes](/manage-improve-product-data/creatives-create-and-edit-images/create-an-image-template/add-shapes.md).
### Manage the template
Use the controls in the top-right corner to manage the template itself.
* Save: Save the current changes to your template.
* Cog Icon (Settings): Access options to Delete or Duplicate the template.
* Usage Tab: See where in your projects the current template is being used.
---
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