How to Add Outline/Stroke to a PNG Image

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How to Add Outline/Stroke to a PNG Image

Last Updated: 2024. 09. 09

How to add border to PNG images online?

How to add a white outline around a transparent PNG?

Sometimes, adding an outline to a PNG image can enhance its impact, whether you're creating a cutout, a creative YouTube thumbnail, or a standout profile picture. A well-placed outline can make your subject pop and draw attention effectively. If you're unsure how to start adding a border to your PNG, this guide presents three easy methods to outline a PNG image both on your computer and online. Let's dive in!

[Special Recommendation] A Comprehensive Online Tool to Add Outline to PNG

While many tools offer basic PNG outlining, few provide the comprehensive features that FlexClip does. From generating PNG images with a background remover to adding outlines and further editing, this online PNG editor offers a straightforward solution for achieving high-quality results.

When it comes to adding outlines to PNGs, FlexClip provides five distinct stroke types: white outline, glowing outline, blur stroke, double-lined outline, and creative stroke. These options allow you to give your image a unique and polished look. After adding the outline, you can refine your image by adding a new background, stylish text, fun stickers, and eye-catching filters and changing image style, making it perfect for sharing on social media. Thanks to its user-friendly interface, no prior editing skills are needed to take full advantage of this tool.

Add Outline to PNG Online - FlexClip

How to Add an Outline to a PNG Using FlexClip

Step 1

Click "Edit it Now" to access FlexClip’s editor page, then import your image under the Media section. If your image isn't in PNG format, don't worry—FlexClip’s AI background remover can convert it for you.

Upload PNG Picture to FlexClip

Edit it Now

View Templates

Step 2

Click "Add As Layer" to add the PNG image as an overlay. Select the image, then click "Edit" at the top of the screen. In the new interface, you'll find the stroke feature.

Add Your PNG Picture and Enable Stroke Feature

Step 3

Choose your preferred stroke style, and customize the color, width, and intensity to match your image's tone.

Add the Preferred Stroke Style and Make Edits

Step 4

Enhance your outlined PNG by changing the background, placing the outlined image onto another image, and customizing it to your liking.

Enhance Your Outlined Image in FlexClip

Step 5

Once you're satisfied with the result, right-click the timeline and select "Export Frame" to download the edited image as a JPG.

Export the Edited Image with Outline

Online PNG Tools: Add Outline to PNG Online

Online PNG Tools is a web-based platform designed for various PNG tasks. When it comes to adding outlines to PNG images, this tool allows you to highlight elements in your graphics, enhancing contrast and clarity with customizable outlines. You can choose the desired width, color, and intensity of the outline, and you also have control over the outline position, edge smoothing, and degree of the outline to meet your specific needs. With a free account, you can upload and outline up to five PNG pictures per day for personal use. To enjoy unlimited access, consider upgrading your plan.

Add Outline to PNG Online - Online PNG Tools

How to Add Outline to PNG Online with Online PNG Tools

Step 1

Visit https://onlinepngtools.com/ website and in the main page, type ‘Add an Outline to a PNG’ in the search box to enter the PNG Outline Adder window.

Find the Add Outline to PNG Tool

Step 2

There will be two main windows on the screen. On the left side, upload the desired PNG image from your computer. Customize the customized color and width of the outline. To create a semi-transparent outline, you can enable the halo effect, which turns the outline pixels into semi-transparent glowing pixels.

Upload the Target PNG Picture

Step 3

Wait a few seconds for the tool to render the result. Once complete, you can preview the outlined PNG picture in the right window.

Check the Outlined Picture

Step 4

When you’re satisfied with the outlined picture, click on "Save as" > "Download" to save the outlined picture to your local device without any watermark.

Download the Outlined Image to Local

Illustrator: Add Outline to PNG on Computer

Illustrator is a vector graphics editor widely used by graphic designers, illustrators, and artists to create and edit scalable vector graphics, such as logos, icons, illustrations, typography, and more. As a professional-grade tool, Illustrator offers powerful features that enable users to produce precise, high-quality artwork. Its capabilities include advanced drawing tools, customizable brushes, gradient effects, and comprehensive layer management. If you're looking to add an outline to a PNG file, Illustrator provides an effective solution. Follow our guide below to learn how it works.

Add Outline to PNG on Computer - Illustrator

How to Outline a PNG in Illustrator

The process of outlining a PNG in Illustrator is a little complicated. Don’t worry! You can follow our lead to make it.

Step 1

Download and install Adobe Illustrator on your computer. Open your desired image in the software.

Step 2

Press CTRL + C to copy the image, then paste it in the same location. Hide the duplicated layer to make the operation more convenient.

Step 3

Navigate to Edit > Edit Colors > Adjust Color Balance. Change the color mode to Grayscale and tick the "Convert" box in the panel.

Step 4

Click "Preview" and slide the point to the right to convert the image to solid black. Then, use Image Trace to convert it into a vector and click "Expand".

Step 5

Use the Direct Selection tool to select the desired part of the image, then press CTRL + 2 to lock the layer.

Step 6

Create a new background and change its color to make the stroke effect visible. For a better effect, go to Object > Path > Offset Path to apply an offset path.

Step 7

Export the outlined image to your computer and use it as needed.

Add Outline to PNG on Computer - Illustrator

The Bottom Line

Well, that’s all for three ways to add outline to PNG. Which tool do you prefer most? Make your own decision and use it to outline your PNG images right now!

Bella /

Full of vitality, curiosity and hope, Bella is an energetic copywriter at FlexClip. She mainly concentrates on video creation and troublesome issues related to video editing, providing users with practical solutions and tricks. Personally, Bella loves novels, sci-fi movies, cooking and travel. And, she believes that all her life is the best arrangement from God.