Image Watermark — Add Text Overlay Free

Add text watermarks to images directly in your browser. Custom font, color, opacity, and position. No upload needed. Free tool.

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Drop an image here or click to select

JPG, PNG, WebP — max 10 MB

Image Watermark Tool — Add Text or Logo Watermarks

Protect your photos and artwork with custom watermarks. Add text overlays or logo images with adjustable opacity, position, size, and rotation. Process multiple images at once with consistent watermark placement. Everything runs in your browser.

Choose from text watermarks with custom fonts, colors, and sizes, or upload your own logo as a PNG with transparency. Position watermarks at corners, center, or tile them across the entire image. Adjustable opacity ensures your watermark is visible but not distracting.

Watermarking is essential for photographers, designers, and content creators sharing work online. It deters unauthorized use while still allowing clients to preview images. A well-placed watermark balances protection with presentation — too subtle and it's easily cropped out, too prominent and it ruins the preview.

For comprehensive image protection, combine watermarking with our Image Metadata Viewer to verify your EXIF copyright information is embedded, and use our Image Compressor to optimize watermarked images for web sharing.

For a complete image protection and publishing workflow, start by adding watermarks with this tool, then optimize file size with our Image Compressor for web sharing, and verify metadata with our Image Metadata Viewer. For bulk operations, combine with our Bulk Image Resizer to process entire portfolios efficiently.

How the Image Watermark Tool Works

  1. Upload the image(s) you want to watermark
  2. Choose watermark type: text with custom font and color, or upload a logo image
  3. Set position (corner, center, or tiled), size, and opacity
  4. Preview the watermarked image and adjust settings until satisfied
  5. Download the watermarked image or batch-process multiple images

Watermark Best Practices

An effective watermark balances visibility with aesthetics. Place it where it cannot be easily cropped out — diagonal across the center or tiled across the entire image are the most protective placements. For portfolio previews, a semi-transparent logo at 30-50% opacity in the bottom-right corner is standard practice. Use a contrasting color with a subtle shadow or outline so the watermark is readable on both light and dark areas of the image. For maximum protection, combine a visible watermark with invisible metadata (EXIF copyright tags).

When to Watermark Your Images

Watermark images before sharing proofs with clients, posting portfolio work on social media, uploading stock photos to marketplaces, sending design drafts for review, or publishing photos on websites where unauthorized download is a concern. Skip watermarking for personal sharing, images already licensed freely (Creative Commons), or final deliverables to paying clients.

Common Use Cases

  • Protect portfolio images shared on Instagram, Pinterest, or Behance
  • Add brand logos to product photos for e-commerce listings
  • Send proof images to clients before final payment
  • Check your image's metadata with our Image Metadata Viewer Image Metadata Viewer — EXIF & GPS Data
  • Prepare images for stock photo submissions with consistent watermark placement

Expert Tips

  • Use a semi-transparent white watermark with a dark drop shadow — it stays visible on any background
  • Tile the watermark diagonally for maximum protection against cropping
  • Save your watermark settings as a preset for consistent branding across all images
  • Combine visible watermarks with EXIF copyright metadata for legal protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can watermarks be removed?
Simple watermarks (small corner logos) can be cropped or edited out. Tiled or diagonal watermarks across the entire image are much harder to remove. AI-powered removal tools exist, but they degrade image quality. A watermark is a deterrent, not absolute protection — for legal protection, register your copyright.
What opacity should I use?
For portfolio previews: 30-50% opacity strikes a balance between visibility and aesthetics. For stock photo previews: 50-70% opacity provides stronger protection. For proof images sent to clients: 20-30% is usually sufficient since the intent is review, not theft deterrence.
Should I watermark with text or a logo?
A logo watermark looks more professional and reinforces brand recognition. Text watermarks are simpler to set up and can include additional info like a website URL or copyright year. For maximum impact, use your logo with a small copyright text line beneath it.

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