How To: Add text and watermarks to your photos

Per special request, I am going to show you how to add text and watermarks to your photos using Photoshop and Lightroom.

{FYI: You can now get both of these programs from the Adobe website for only $9.99 per month, but it's only for a limited time!!}

What the heck is a watermark? It's your own special seal that lets everyone know it's your photo! It could be as fancy as a personal logo or as simple as a text copyright with your name. The most important thing to remember when using watermarks is to keep it simple and discreet. You don't want a huge watermark taking the viewer's attention away from the awesomeness of your photo.

Other than marking your photography territory, knowing how to add text to your photos could come in handy. Like those delectable recipe pics on Pinterest that have the name of the recipe scrolled across it in some fancy font.

Adding a watermark in Photoshop...

{And yes, I am using this tutorial as an opportunity to show off my handsome little man!}

{Step 1} Open the photo you would like to watermark. Select File from the menu across the top, then select Place.

{Step 2} Select the file for the watermark you want to add,

then select Place.

{Step 3} Adjust the size of your watermark using the multiple points on the frame around it. You can move its location on the photo by clicking inside the frame and dragging it. Once you are satisfied with your watermark's size and location, press the Enter key on your keyboard.

Pressing the Enter key places the watermark and removes the frame preventing any further edit.

{Step 4} Going back to the menu at the top, select Layer,

then Flatten Image.

{Step 5} Select File, then Save As. Always save your edited photos as an additional photo rather than saving over the original.

Adding text in Photoshop...

{Step 1} Open the photo that you want to add text to. Select the Text Tool from your toolbar on the left side of the screen. Click and drag the mouse in your desired location on the photo to create the textbox. If need be you can always resize and move the location of the box.

{Step 2} Type your text in the box. Use the various options at the top {the red box in the above photo} to edit your text. You can change the font, size, orientation and color. If you need to move your text after editing, select the Move Tool from your toolbar on the left.

{Step 3} Select Layer at the top, then Flatten Image.

{Step 4} Select File, then Save As.

Adding a watermark in Lightroom...

{Step 1} Once you have imported your photo into your Library, move to the next tab, Develop. At the top of the screen select Lightroom, then Edit Watermarks.

{Step 2} Under Image Options, click on Choose and select the file for your watermark.

{Step 3} Under Watermark Effects, use the Proportional control to adjust the size of your watermark. Select the general location of your watermark in your photo by clicking the corresponding circle in the Anchor control. Use the Horizontal and Vertical controls to fine tune the location of your watermark.

When you are satisfied with your watermark's size and location, select Save. A separate window will appear asking you to name the Preset. 

{Step 4} Select File at the top of the screen, then Export.

{Step 5} Scroll down to the Watermarking section and check the box. Select your watermark Preset from the drop down box. Select Export.

{Before selecting Export in this step, be sure you have named your new photo file and have selected your desired save location.}

The final photo with watermark.

Adding text in Lightroom...

Repeat Step 1 from Adding a watermark in Lightroom.

{Step 2} Type your desired text in the box below the photo preview. Edit your text using the controls in the Text Options section.

Repeat Step 3 from Adding a watermark in Lightroom to adjust text size and location.

Repeat Step 4 from Adding a watermark in Lightroom.

Repeat Step 5 from Adding a watermark in Lightroom.

The final photo with text.

Feel free to ask me any questions regarding these tutorials!

Are there any other tutorials you would like to see for Photoshop or Lightroom? Let me know so I can create a tutorial just for you!