A good text overlay remains readable at the image's real display size, supports the subject instead of covering it, and uses enough contrast without looking detached from the photo.
Add text to a photo step by step
- Open the Add Text and Shapes tool.
- Upload the source image.
- Enter a short headline or caption.
- Choose font size, color, alignment, and position.
- Add a rectangle or ellipse behind the text when the image is busy.
- Preview at the final display size.
- Export PNG for a crisp master or JPG for a smaller opaque photo.
Write for the image, not a document
Use a few words that add context, a benefit, a date, or a clear action. Move detailed explanation into the surrounding page or social caption. Long paragraphs force small type and compete with the image.
Make the caption readable
- Choose strong light-dark contrast.
- Avoid placing text over faces and key products.
- Use one or two font styles, not a collection.
- Keep generous padding from the edge.
- Use a semi-opaque shape behind text on detailed backgrounds.
- Check the design on a phone-sized preview.
Plan for responsive crops
Social platforms and websites may crop thumbnails differently. Keep essential text and logos away from extreme edges. Save an editable master, then create separate versions for square, portrait, landscape, and story placements instead of expecting one layout to fit all.
Accessibility still needs real text
Text baked into an image is not reliably available to screen readers and may be hard to translate or resize. Repeat important information in HTML, a caption, or alt text where appropriate. Alt text should describe the image's purpose rather than duplicate every decorative word.
Export without quality loss
Resize the composition to the delivery dimensions before the final export. PNG is useful for sharp lettering, flat graphics, and transparency. JPG is efficient for photos but can create halos around text at low quality. Avoid multiple rounds of JPG editing.
Frequently asked questions
What font size should I use?
There is no universal pixel value because image dimensions and display size vary. Preview the graphic at its actual destination size and ensure the smallest important text remains readable without zooming.
Should I export PNG or JPG?
PNG is a strong default for crisp lettering, transparency, and flat graphics. JPG can reduce photographic file size but may create artifacts around text. Keep a PNG master and make one final JPG delivery copy if required.
Can search engines read text inside the image?
Some systems can analyze images, but essential content should remain available as real page text and appropriate alt text. Do not depend on image recognition for accessibility, indexing, translation, or user comprehension.
How do I keep text readable over a busy photo?
Move it to a quieter region, add a sufficiently opaque backing shape, or apply a subtle dark or light overlay to the image. Test contrast at final size instead of relying on a large editing preview.