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Album Cover Maker
Create square cover art for an album, single, EP, mixtape or podcast. Start from a generated background or your own photo, apply a film filter, choose a typography layout, check how it reads as a tiny thumbnail and download it at 3000 × 3000 pixels.
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Cover art is mostly seen tiny in playlists. Make sure the title still reads here.
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How to use the Album Cover Maker
- Pick a background: choose a generated style and its colours, or click Choose photo to use your own image. Drag on the cover to position the photo.
- Apply a filter preset, then fine-tune brightness, contrast, saturation, warmth, grain and vignette.
- Type the artist and title and choose a typography layout, fonts, case and colour.
- Check the thumbnails under the cover: the title should still be legible at small sizes.
- Download the 3000 × 3000 JPG for music distributors, or 1400 px for podcast directories.
Cover art requirements at a glance
| Where | Size | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music distributors (albums, EPs, singles) | 3000 × 3000 px square | JPG or PNG, RGB | The common minimum for streaming stores; avoid blurry or pixelated images |
| Apple Podcasts | 1400 × 1400 to 3000 × 3000 px | JPG or PNG, RGB | Square, 72 dpi is fine; file size matters less than pixel size |
| Web, Bandcamp page, social posts | 1000–3000 px square | JPG | Smaller files load faster |
| CD booklet front (12 × 12 cm) | about 1417 px at 300 dpi | Print shop's spec | Ask your printer about bleed and CMYK |
Store rules change and differ between distributors, so always check your distributor's current artwork guidelines. Common reasons for rejection are blurry images, text that does not match the release metadata, website addresses, social handles, pricing or logos you do not own the rights to.
Design tips for cover art that stands out
- One focal point. A single face, object or shape reads far better at thumbnail size than a busy collage.
- Contrast beats detail. Light text on a dark area (or the reverse) stays legible at 56 px. Use the vignette or darker filters to calm a bright photo behind the title.
- Match the genre. Grainy black-and-white photos suit indie and rock, neon gradients and retro suns suit synthwave and electronic, warm faded film suits lo-fi and acoustic.
- Keep a series consistent. For podcasts or a run of singles, keep the layout and fonts the same and change only the colour or photo.
- Leave the edges calm. Some apps round the corners or overlay play buttons, so keep important text a little way in from the edges.
Frequently asked questions
What size should album cover art be?
Most music distributors ask for a square image of at least 3000 × 3000 pixels in RGB, as JPG or PNG. This tool exports exactly 3000 × 3000 px by default, which satisfies the common streaming-store requirements.
What size is podcast cover art?
Apple Podcasts requires square artwork between 1400 × 1400 and 3000 × 3000 pixels, in JPG or PNG with RGB colour. Choose 3000 px for the best quality, or 1400 px if you need a smaller file.
Can I use any photo I find online?
Only if you own it or have permission. Distributors and stores can reject artwork that uses copyrighted photos, logos or brand names you are not licensed to use. Your own photos and the generated backgrounds are safe choices.
Why should I check the thumbnail?
Listeners usually see cover art as a small square in a playlist or search result, sometimes under 100 pixels wide. Big, high-contrast titles stay readable at that size; thin fonts and busy backgrounds do not.
Is JPG or PNG better for cover art?
JPG at high quality keeps the file small and is accepted everywhere. PNG is lossless and larger; use it for flat graphic designs with sharp text. Both exports are RGB.
Are my photos uploaded?
No. Filters and text are applied in your browser with the Canvas API, and nothing is sent to a server.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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