Adding a border to an image is one of those small edits that makes a surprisingly big difference. Borders help photos stand out on social media, look cleaner in blog posts, and feel more intentional in shop listings or mood boards.
As a senior graphic designers I’ve used all methods imaginable to add different types of borders to my content through out the years. But I know that, if you’re searching for how to add borders to images, chances are you want:
- The easiest possible method
- Something free
- No complicated software
Good news. In 2025/26, you have plenty of great options!
Below are the three most popular free tools right now, plus a quick note on Photoshop for those who already use it.
1. Canva (Web, iOS & Android)
If there’s one tool that almost everyone uses at this point, it’s Canva. And yes, adding borders to images is completely possible on the free plan.
How to add a border in Canva
- Upload your image
- Select the image
- Use the “Edit photo” panel or add a frame/shape behind it
- Adjust color, thickness, and spacing
You can create:
- Simple solid borders
- White margins around photos
- Polaroid-style or film frames
Canva is especially handy because you’re usually already designing something anyway, like a Pinterest pin, Instagram post, or product image.
Best for: Social media, blog images, shop visuals
Price: Free (Pro not required for basic borders)
2. Picsart (Mobile & Web)
Picsart is still one of the most popular photo editing apps in the world, and its border tool remains available in the free version. I still use it frequently.
What you can do with Picsart borders
- Add solid or decorative borders
- Adjust thickness easily
- Combine borders with basic edits if needed
The interface is very visual and beginner-friendly, especially on mobile. While Picsart does push paid features, simple borders are still accessible without paying.
Best for: Mobile editing, creative or colorful borders
Price: Free with optional upgrades
3. Fotor (Online & App)
Fotor is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest online tools if you just want to add a border and download your image quickly.
Why Fotor works well
- Dedicated “add border” feature
- Clean interface
- No design experience needed
You upload your image, choose the border style and color, adjust the size, and export. Very straightforward.
Best for: Quick browser edits, no learning curve
Price: Free (watermark-free for basic edits)
Bonus Option: Snapseed (iOS & Android)
If you already use Snapseed for photo editing, you’ll be happy to know it includes border options too.
Inside the app, go to Tools → Borders and choose from simple styles. It’s not as customizable as Canva or Picsart, but it works well for clean, minimal borders.
Best for: iPhone and Android users who already use Snapseed
Price: Completely free
What About Photoshop?
Yes, you can absolutely add borders in Photoshop using canvas size or stroke settings. But realistically, if you’re paying for Adobe, you probably already know how to do this or don’t need a step-by-step guide.
For everyone else, the free tools above are faster, simpler, and more than enough.
Which Tool Should You Use?
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s the short answer:
- Use Canva if you want the easiest all-in-one solution
- Use Picsart if you’re editing on your phone and want more creative control
- Use Fotor if you just want to add a border and be done in under a minute
All three are free, beginner-friendly, and widely used in 2025/26.
Hope it helps! 🙂
Love,
Lucy ♡₊˚
