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How to Add Text to an Image Online

6 min read
Quick Answer

To add text to an image online, upload your photo to EditThisPic and describe the text you want: 'add the text HAPPY BIRTHDAY in white cursive across the top.' The AI renders the words directly onto the image with proper sizing, color, and placement. Free, no signup required.

Add Text to Any Photo Without Design Software

Need to slap a caption on a meme, add a quote to a landscape shot, or put a title on a social media graphic? AI text overlay lets you describe what you want in plain English and get a finished image in seconds. No Canva templates, no Photoshop text layers, no font hunting. Just tell the AI what to write and where to put it.

How AI Text Overlay Works

EditThisPic's AI reads your instruction and renders the text directly into the image. It picks a readable font style, sizes the text to fit the composition, and positions it where you describe. The result is baked into the image itself, not a separate layer. You can specify font style, color, size, and exact placement in your prompt for full control.

Popular Text Overlay Uses

  • Social media quotes — inspirational text over scenic backgrounds
  • Meme captions — bold white text with black outline, top and bottom
  • Event announcements — date, time, and venue overlaid on a photo
  • Product labels — price tags, sale badges, or product names on product shots
  • Watermarks — subtle branded text across an image for copyright protection
  • Birthday and holiday greetings — festive text on personal photos

Tips for Clean Text Results

Be specific about everything: the exact words, font style, color, size, and position. 'Add SALE 50% OFF in bold red text in the top right corner' works much better than 'add some text.' For readability, ask for a contrasting color against the background. If the text lands on a busy area, include 'with a dark semi-transparent background behind the text' to add a readable backdrop.

Who Adds Text to Images

Social media managers add captions and branding to posts. Small business owners create promotional graphics without hiring a designer. Teachers build educational visuals with labels and annotations. Content creators add watermarks to protect their work. Anyone who needs text on a photo but does not want to open Photoshop or Canva can get it done instantly with AI.

Adding Multiple Lines or Styled Text

You can add multiple text elements in one prompt. Describe each separately: 'Add SUMMER SALE in large bold yellow text at the top, and UP TO 70% OFF in smaller white text below it.' For styled text like handwritten or neon effects, describe the style: 'add the word DREAM in glowing neon pink cursive.' The AI interprets style descriptions and applies them to the rendered text.

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Upload Your Image

Drop your photo into EditThisPic. Any image works — photos, graphics, screenshots, or blank backgrounds. JPG, PNG, or WebP up to 7MB.

2

Describe the Text You Want

Type your instruction with the exact words, style, and placement: 'add the text OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY in bold white serif font, centered at the bottom of the image.'

3

Review the Result

Check that the text is readable, properly positioned, and styled the way you want. Use the before/after slider to compare with the original.

4

Refine or Download

Need adjustments? Follow up: 'make the text larger,' 'move it to the left,' or 'change the font color to gold.' When it looks right, download the finished image.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Upload your image to EditThisPic and describe the text you want added: 'add HAPPY BIRTHDAY in white script at the top.' The AI renders it onto the photo. Free to use, no account required.
Yes. Describe the style in your prompt: 'bold sans-serif in red,' 'elegant cursive in gold,' or 'handwritten style in black.' The AI interprets your description and applies the closest matching style.
Yes. Specify the position: 'top center,' 'bottom left corner,' or 'across the middle.' You can also tap the image to place a marker and say 'add text here.' The more specific you are, the more accurate the placement.
Yes. Describe each line separately: 'add JOHN AND SARAH in large gold text at the top, and JUNE 15, 2026 in smaller white text below it.' You can add as many text elements as you need in one prompt.
The AI produces clean, well-rendered text that matches the style you describe. For the best results, be specific about font style, size, and color. Simple, clear instructions like 'bold white text with a drop shadow' produce professional-looking output.
Yes. You can upload a solid color background or a transparent PNG and add text to it. This is useful for creating simple title cards, social media graphics, or presentation slides.

Ready to Add Text to Your Image?

Upload your photo, describe the text, and download. Free, no signup.

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