Want to create a Brat-style cover but don't know where to start? This tutorial will show you exactly how to make one in under 5 minutes—no design skills required.
What You'll Make
By the end of this tutorial, you'll have created a custom Brat-style graphic that you can use for:
- Social media posts (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter)
- Profile pictures
- Memes
- Playlist covers
- Phone wallpapers
The whole process takes about 2-3 minutes once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Choose Your Tool (30 seconds)
First, pick which Brat generator you want to use. Here's a quick guide:
For most people: Start with the Brat Generator (the main one). It's the simplest and covers 90% of what people need.
For longer text: Use the Brat Text Generator if you want to add more than just a few words.
For single words: The Brat Word Generator is optimized for names and short phrases.
For song lyrics: Try the Brat Lyrics Generator which comes pre-loaded with Charli XCX lyrics.
For custom fonts: The Brat Font Generator gives you more typography control.
For memes: The Brat Meme Generator is formatted specifically for meme-style text.
Not sure? Just start with the main Brat Generator and you can always try others later. See all options at /tools.
Step 2: Type Your Text (1 minute)
Once you've opened the tool, you'll see a text input field. Here's what to do:
- Click in the text box (usually labeled "Type any words you like")
- Type your message - could be anything:
- Your name
- A funny phrase
- A quote
- Song lyrics
- Whatever you want
Character limits: Most tools allow 50-500 characters. If you're making something for social media, shorter is usually better. 2-5 words tends to look best.
Pro tip: Try a few different phrases. It takes seconds to change, so experiment until you find something that looks good.
Step 3: Pick a Color (30 seconds)
This is where you make it yours. Most Brat generators offer these color options:
- Brat Green (#8ACE00) - The classic from Charli XCX's album
- Hot Pink - Popular alternative, very eye-catching
- White - Clean, minimalist look
- Black - Bold and dramatic
- Cyan - Fresh and modern
- Purple - Stands out without being too bright
- Yellow - High energy, attention-grabbing
- Blue - Cool and calm
- Gold - Sophisticated vibe
How to choose: Click the color circles below the text input. The preview updates instantly, so you can try different colors until you find one you like.
Color tips:
- For social media: Bright colors (green, pink, cyan) get more attention
- For profile pictures: Try white or black for readability
- For memes: Classic Brat green or hot pink work best
- For playlists: Match the mood of the music
If you want to use the pink theme specifically, check out the Brat Generator Pink version.
Step 4: Adjust Text Alignment (20 seconds)
This step is optional but can make a big difference in how your cover looks.
Most tools offer four alignment options:
- Left - Good for longer text
- Center - Most popular, works for everything
- Right - Unique look, less common
- Justify - Best for multiple lines
Quick rule: If you're not sure, stick with center alignment. It's the most versatile and looks good in most cases.
Step 5: Download Your Cover (10 seconds)
Once you're happy with how it looks:
- Click the Download button (usually labeled "Download PNG")
- Save the file to your computer or phone
- That's it - you're done!
The file is typically saved as:
- Format: PNG (works everywhere)
- Size: 500x500 or 1000x1000 pixels
- Quality: High resolution, ready to use
What to Do with Your Cover
Now that you have your Brat-style cover, here are some ideas:
Social Media:
- Instagram story background
- Twitter/X header or post
- TikTok video overlay
- Facebook post image
Personal Use:
- Phone lock screen
- Desktop wallpaper
- Profile picture
- Discord avatar
Music:
- Spotify playlist cover
- SoundCloud track art
- Apple Music playlist
Other:
- Print and frame it
- Use in presentations
- Create stickers
- Make merch (for personal use)
Common Questions
Do I need to sign up? No. Just go to the site and start creating. No account, no email, nothing.
Is it really free? Yes, completely free. No watermarks, no hidden charges.
Can I make multiple covers? As many as you want. No limits.
What if I don't like my first try? Just change the text or color and download again. The whole process takes under a minute.
Can I use these commercially? They're yours to use. Just be aware the style is associated with Charli XCX's work, so use common sense for business purposes.
Tips for Better Covers
After you've made a few, here are some tips to level up:
Text tips:
- Shorter is usually better (2-5 words max)
- All lowercase tends to look more authentic
- Avoid punctuation unless it's part of the style
- Single words often work better than sentences
Color tips:
- High contrast = easier to read
- Bright colors = more attention on social media
- Classic green = most recognizable as "Brat"
- Experiment with different colors for different moods
Alignment tips:
- Center works for almost everything
- Left alignment for longer text
- Right alignment for a unique look
- Justified for multi-line text
Try Different Tools
Once you've mastered the basics, explore the other Brat generators:
- Brat Styles Generator - Advanced styling options
- Brat Album Cover Generator - Square format optimized for album art
- Brat Meme Generator - Meme-specific features
- Brat Lyrics Generator - Pre-loaded with Charli XCX lyrics
- All Tools - See the complete list
Each tool has slightly different features, so it's worth trying a few to see which one fits your needs best.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Text is too small Try using fewer words or a different tool like the Brat Text Generator which handles long text better.
Problem: Color looks wrong Make sure you're viewing it on a good screen. Colors can look different on different devices.
Problem: Download button not working Try refreshing the page. If it still doesn't work, try a different browser (Chrome or Safari work best).
Problem: Image quality is low Make sure you're using the download button, not right-clicking and saving. The download gives you the full resolution version.
Next Steps
Now you know how to make Brat generator covers. The best way to improve is to just make a bunch and see what works.
Quick recap:
- Choose a tool (start with the main one if unsure)
- Type your text
- Pick a color
- Adjust alignment (optional)
- Download
That's it. 5 minutes, start to finish.
Want to learn more? Check out our complete guide or browse all available tools.
Brat-Gen is a fan-made project celebrating Charli XCX's Brat album. We're not officially affiliated with Charli XCX or Atlantic Records.