How to Add Text to Photos on Phones and Computers

This article explains how to add text to a picture on Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. The information applies to iOS 13, iOS 12, and iOS 11; Android 8 and 7; macOS Catalina (10.15) through macOS Sierra (10.13); and Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Add Text to Photos on iPhone Using the Photos App

If you have an iPhone with iOS 11 or later, follow these steps to add text to an image.

1. Open the Photos app and select an image.

2. Tap Edit in the upper-left corner. 

3. Tap the Menu icon (three horizontal dots) in the upper-right corner.

4.  Select Markup in the pop-up menu.

5. Tap the plus (+) in the tools at the bottom of the Markup screen to add text. You also have choices of a pen, highlighter, and pencil.

6. Select Text in the pop-up menu. A text box appears on the image. You can move it around or resize it by touching and dragging it. To change the text's font, tap the Font icon (large and small A inside circle).

7. Tap the text box to bring up a floating menu bar. Select Edit to change the text, then type the text you want to add to the image.

Add Text to Photos on Android Using Google Photos

Google Photos has a similar tool for adding text to photos:

1. Open a photo in Google Photos.

2. At the bottom of the photo, tap Edit (three horizontal lines).

3. Tap the Markup icon (squiggly line).

   You can also select the color of text from this screen.

4. Tap the Text tool and enter your desired text.

5. Select Done when you've finished.

How to Use Photoshop Express for iOS and Android

Photoshop Express is a free app that offers numerous ways to edit smartphone photos, including adding text. It's also an excellent alternative to your smartphone's built-in photo editing tools. With Photoshop Express, you can add a text box and play around with the font style, color, and alignment.

To add text to photos in iOS or Android using Photoshop Express:

1. Open the Photoshop Express app and choose a picture.

   If you don't see any photos when you open the app, make sure you've given the app permission to access your photos.

2. At the bottom of the screen are five icons. Swipe that toolbar to the left to find and tap the Text icon.

3. Now you can swipe through an array of text boxes in different shapes and styles.

4. Select a text style to place a text box on your photo.

5. Tap the box to move it around on the image. Select the edit icon (paper with pencil) in the upper-left corner of the text box to change the text.

6. Tap Font, Color, Stroke, or Alignment at the bottom of the screen to make other adjustments.

7. Tap the Back button in the upper-left corner, then select Save to confirm the changes to the image.

Add Text to Pictures on Mac Using Apple Photos

You can also add text to images using the Apple Photos app on your Mac. As with the iPhone, you use the Markup tool.

1. Open the Photos app on the Mac and select a picture to open it.

2. Select Edit at the top of the screen. 

3. In the upper-right portion of the screen, select the More icon (three vertical dots) and select Markup from the drop-down menu.

4. At the top of the screen, select the Text icon (T inside a box) to place a box that reads Text on the image.

5. Click and drag the text box to move it around. Select the Text Style icon (an uppercase A) to change the font style, size, and color, then select Save Changes.

Microsoft Photos and Microsoft Paint for Windows

You can add text to photos on a Windows 10 PC using Microsoft Photos. If you have Windows 8 or Windows 7, you'll need to use Microsoft Paint. In Windows 10:

1. Open the Photos app and select an image.

2. In the upper-right portion of the screen, select Edit & Create > Edit with Paint 3D.

3. At the top of the screen, select Text.

4. Click and drag to draw a text box.

5. Enter your desired text.

   On the right panel, select the font, size, color, and other formatting features.

6. In the upper-left corner, select Menu.

7. Select Save or Save as.

On Windows 8 and Windows 7

To add text to pictures in Microsoft Paint on Windows 8 and 7:

1. Launch Microsoft Paint and open an image.

2. Select A in the toolbar, then select the photo.

3. Click and drag to draw a text box.

4. The Text option will appear in the menu. Here you can change the Font, Background, and Colors. Enter your desired text.