How to Create Character Profile Overlay with Canva

Creating a character profile overlay for your D&D livestream can really bring your game to life. Back in the early days, my friends and I used to sketch little thumbnails of our characters on paper, but these days, there are so many better options.

In this post, I’ll share how I use Canva to create a polished, professional-looking overlay that highlights both character art and key profile details. Whether you’re a skilled artist or just getting started, having a visual that represents your characters can make your game feel more immersive and connected.

When I build these overlays, I start by thinking about two main elements: the portrait of the character and the essential information—like class, level, and a few core traits. Canva’s easy-to-use design tools let you blend images and text seamlessly, and you can pull in artwork from commissions, stock images, or whatever best fits your campaign’s tone.

Once I have the layout and design nailed down, I animate the text and elements so they have a dynamic, flowing appearance. It doesn’t take a ton of work, but it makes a big difference in how engaging your stream looks.

If you’re curious to see exactly how I do it—plus a few extra tips to customize the design—check out the full video above. And if you’ve created your own character overlays before, I’d love to hear about your favorite tools and tricks!

Cheers!
Brian