How to add text to a photo

Add a caption, a title, a quote or a watermark to any image — and keep it editable while you get the placement just right. Here's how to do it in your browser with PixPolish.

Because PixPolish works in layers, text goes on its own layer above the photo. That means you can move it, restyle it or delete it at any time without touching the picture underneath.

Step by step

1. Open your photo in the PixPolish editor.
2. Pick the Text tool (the "T" in the toolbar).
3. Click where you want the text and start typing. A new text layer is created automatically.
4. Style it. Change the font, size, and color, and use bold or alignment options to get the look you want.
5. Position it. Switch to the Move tool to drag the text exactly where it should sit.
6. Export via File → Save/Export (PNG or JPG).

Make text easy to read

• Contrast is everything. Light text on dark areas (or dark on light) reads far better than similar tones.
• Add a subtle shadow or outline if the background is busy, so letters don't get lost in the detail.
• Keep it short. A few words at a large size beats a paragraph in tiny type, especially on mobile.
• Mind the safe area. Keep text away from the very edges so nothing gets cropped when the image is displayed.

Adding a watermark

To watermark a photo, add your text (or a small logo on its own layer), then lower that layer's opacity so it's visible but not distracting. Place it in a corner, and export as usual.