Overlays are a great way to add custom design elements — like decorative borders or logos — on top of your photos.
This guide explains the difference between overlays and logos, and walks you through how to successfully design and upload your own overlay graphic.
Designing for HALO 5.0
HALO 5.0 is now available. One of the biggest updates is a completely new layout designer that makes customizing your photo designs easier and more flexible.
If you’re used to creating overlays in older versions, that workflow has changed. The setting called overlays no longer exists in HALO 5.0. You can still import the same types of design files, but they’re now added as layers inside the new layout designer.
The guide below only applies to version 4.3.5 and below. For updated design instructions, visit the 5.0 Transition Guide.
Overlays vs. Logos (4.3.5 and below)
Logos
Logos are added next to the frame(s) in your layout. When you upload a logo, extra space is created in the layout to accommodate it.
📍 Logos do not cover any part of the photo itself — they appear outside the frame area.
Bottom Logo | Top Logo | Side Logo |
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Overlays
Overlays are placed on top of your layout, directly over the frame(s). This means your overlay file should already include the graphic elements positioned exactly where you want them to appear.
📍 Files intended as logos won't look right when uploaded as overlays — they’ll sit in the center of the layout and cover part of the photo.
Logo Saved To Overlay Setting | Overlay Saved To Overlay Setting |
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Designing Overlays
Your overlay design should be finalized before uploading it to your settings. You won’t be able to move or adjust elements after the file is uploaded.
💡 Think of the overlay file as a finished sticker — you’re placing the entire design on top of the layout in one step.
Overlay Sizing
Overlays do not stretch or scale to fit your layout. It’s important to design your overlay at the correct size from the start.
📍 A landscape-sized overlay should match a landscape layout, and a portrait-sized overlay should match a portrait layout.
Square Overlay On Landscape Layout | Landscape Overlay On Landscape Layout |
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Sizing Overlays
Choosing the Right Size
Most design programs ask you to select a size before you begin. The best size for your overlay depends on your iPad orientation and layout settings, including:
Layout type (single photo, strip, etc.)
Crop and margin settings
Whether you’re combining an overlay with a logo
💡 Refer to our Design Guide for sizing recommendations based on your setup.
Overlays & Transparency
Overlay files sit on top of your photos, similar to a watermark. That’s why most of the file should be transparent, so your photo still shows through.
📍 Only the graphic elements (like borders or text) should be visible. The rest of the overlay should be completely see-through.
Overlay With Transparency | Overlay Without Transparency |
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Creating Transparency
Some graphics programs prompt you to choose a transparent background when you start a new file. Others let you add it later in the design process.
💡 For beginners, the easiest option is to start with a blank transparent canvas, then import your logo or add other elements like text and stickers.