What’s in this article:
What is an overlay?
An overlay is a graphic overlay that can be uploaded to your Slate account to put on top of any image or video. They can be either static or animated. Overlays lock in creative, so are easy to plug in and export for quick content wins.
Sizes & File Types
Overlays are .png or .mov files with an alpha channel that are used as overlays. They can be applied on top of content in Slate and can be created in any of the four dimensions supported in Slate (9:16, 1:1, 3:4, 4:5, 16:9). Png overlays should be no larger than 1920px in height or width. Animated overlays can be created as .mov files. Refer to the animated overlays article for more info on creating this type of asset.
Overlays must be exported in the following dimensions for each ratio:
9:16 = 1080 x 1920
1:1 = 1500 x 1500
3:4 = 1080 x 1440
4:5 = 1200 x 1500
16:9 = 1920 x 1080
Uploading Overlays
Login to your Slate web dashboard
In the Overlays drawer, select the “+” button
Select the overlay file you would like to upload
Add any search terms to your overlay, place in a collection if desired and save
Publish any changes to your dashboard by selecting the “Publish” button at the bottom left of your dashboard
TIP: You can also drag and drop files into the overlays drawer to upload.
Connecting Similar Overlays
If you have multiple dimensions (9:16, 3:4, 4:5, 1:1, 16:9) of an overlay, upload all them as a batch. This will connect the overlays when switching dimensions on the mobile app to make editing and exporting faster than ever.
Login to your Slate web dashboard
In the overlays drawer, select the “+” button
Browse your files and select the overlay in all ratios you want to upload
Add any search terms to your overlay and save
Publish any changes to your dashboard by selecting the “Publish” button at the bottom left of your dashboard
Using Overlays on Mobile
Open your Slate mobile app
Select the overlays drawer or simply swipe right to left on the home screen to toggle through overlay options
To view overlays in other sizes, tap the ‘ratio’ button on the bottom toolbar to find the proper dimension. The overlays drawer will now display overlays you have in that size
Add in media by tapping on the ‘Media’ button on the bottom toolbar
Resize media into the space by double tapping the image or video, and pinching in or out to place it in the desired location. Double tap again to lock it in place
Export your content by selecting the ‘Share’ button on the bottom toolbar
Using Overlays on Web
Open your Slate dashboard and click 'Create Content' in the top right corner
Select 'New Project'
Choose the ratio you would like to work in at the top of the screen
Select 'Media' and add in the photo or video you wish to use
Open the overlays drawer and hover over each to get a preview of what your content will look like and make your selection
Once ready to export, select 'Export' at the top right of the screen. Name your file and select what file type you’d like your content to be and click ‘Download’
Available on:
FAQs:
Q: Can I upload custom sized overlays?
A: No. Although you can create in a custom workspace on web, overlays and templates are only supported in the sizes listed above (9:16, 1:1, 3:4, 4:5, or 16:9).
Q: Can I control layering in the mobile app?
A: No, you don't have the ability to send things forward or back, and assets lay as they were designed. Therefore, overlays will always be on top of media.
Q: Can I change out the colors, graphics, or font type used in a overlay?
A: No, overlays are locked for consistency and to maintain brand look. You can add in unique media with each element, but can't change aspects designed in the overlay.