How to Add a Watermark to Photos

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This wikiHow teaches you how to watermark your photos with custom text. Watermarks prevent people from taking credit for your photos. You can add a watermark for free by using the uMark Online website, or by using Microsoft PowerPoint on your Windows or Mac computer.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using uMark Online

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  1. Go to https://www.umarkonline.com in your web browser. This is the free online version of uMark, a downloadable watermark app. You can use this tool on any computer, phone, or tablet.
  2. It's the grey button at the top of the page. This opens your computer, phone, or tablet's file picker.
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  3. Navigate to the folder that contains your photo, then click or tap the photo to select it.
  4. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window.
  5. This blue button is to the right of the photo's name. This uploads your photo to uMark.
  6. Type the text that you want your watermark to display (e.g., your name) into the "Watermark Text" field in the upper-right side of the page.
    • You can also change the font, size, and formatting in the "Font" section directly below this.
  7. Click the text field below the "Color" heading, then click a color in the drop-down menu that you want to use.
    • You can change the color's gradient in the far-right side of the drop-down menu as well.
  8. Click and drag the "Transparency" switch right to decrease your watermark's visibility, or drag it left to increase the visibility.
  9. Click one of the circles in the three-by-three grid below the "Position" heading to change the watermark's position on the picture.
  10. If you're using a computer, right-click the photo, and then click Save image as . If you're using a phone or tablet, tap and hold the photo, and then select the option to save it.
    • If your computer doesn't have distinct left and right mouse buttons, press the mouse button with two fingers, press the right side of the button, or tap the trackpad with two fingers.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using PowerPoint

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  1. If you're using Windows, you'll find it in the Start menu in a folder called "Microsoft Office." If you're on a Mac, you'll find it on your Launchpad and in the Applications folder.
  2. It's in the upper-left side of the PowerPoint home page. A new presentation will open. [1]
    • Skip this step on Mac.
  3. The slide must be blank to create a watermark. Press Control + A (PC) or Command + A (Mac) to select the slide's text boxes, then press the Delete key.
  4. This tab is at the top of the PowerPoint window. A toolbar will appear just below the tab.
  5. It's in the "Images" section of the toolbar.
    • On Mac, after clicking Pictures select Picture From File .
  6. This places the image onto the slide.
  7. It's in the "Text" section of the toolbar at the top of PowerPoint. An assortment of letter styles will appear. [2]
    • If you don't see this option, you may have to click the Image tab at the top of the screen once more.
  8. Once you make your selection, you'll see a new text box containing the words "Your Text Here."
  9. To do this, hold the mouse cursor over the dotted text box line until it turns into crosshairs, then click and drag the box to the desired position. You can also resize your text box by clicking and dragging one of the squares on an edge or corner of the text box.
  10. Click the sample text inside the text box to select it, and then type the name, brand, or phrase that you want to use as your watermark.
  11. To customize the color, effects, and transparency of your watermark:
    • Click the Drawing Tools tab at the top of the screen. If you don't see this tab, click the Format tab.
    • Locate the "WordArt Styles" section of the toolbar at the top of the screen, and then click the small square with a rectangle at its bottom-right corner. A panel will expand on the right.
    • Click the Text Fill & Outline option (the large A with a solid underline) in the right panel. If you don't see this, click the Text Options tab first.
    • Click the Text Fill option to expand it.
    • Select the color you want, and then set the Transparency slider to about 80%.
    • To edit the outline of your text, expand the Text Outline section, select your color and style, and then increase the transparency to the same level as you did your text.
    • Use the other icons at the top of the right panel to edit other aspects of your text, such as adding glowing or 3-D effects.
  12. To do this, press Ctrl + A (PC) or Command + C (Mac).
  13. It's at the top of PowerPoint,
  14. It's in the "Arrange" section of the Picture Tools tab.
  15. Once the objects are grouped, your watermarked image can be saved.
  16. Right-click the photo and select Save as Picture in the menu. Select a location and then click Save . Your watermarked photo will be saved to the selected location.
    • If your computer doesn't have distinct left and right mouse buttons, press the mouse button with two fingers, press the right side of the button, or tap the trackpad with two fingers.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What program should I use to add watermarks to my photographs?
    Stephen Cardone
    Professional Photographer
    Stephen Cardone is the COO of NY Headshots, a New York City-based studio that specializes in shooting and producing headshots for individuals and businesses. Stephen has over four years of professional photography experience and over six years of documentary filmmaking experience. Stephen also works extensively as a photographer at NY Headshots. His work includes events, environmental photography, as well as headshots for actors, models, and corporate. He holds a BA in Non-fiction Writing from The New School.
    Stephen Cardone
    Professional Photographer
    Expert Answer
    If you're looking for a free program, use Preview if you have a Mac, or Adobe Acrobat on Windows. Use the text tool and opacity slider to add the watermark.
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      Tips

      • If you have Adobe Photoshop, use the text and opacity tools to add a watermark to your photographs.
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      • If you have a Mac, use Preview, which is a free program that comes with your computer, to add a watermark to a PDF.
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      Warnings

      • Always have an unwatermarked version of your image saved somewhere else, especially if you plan on selling your image later.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/create-a-presentation-in-powerpoint-422250f8-5721-4cea-92cc-202fa7b89617
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-ie/office/add-a-watermark-to-a-photo-with-powerpoint-2374ae14-b50e-4a7f-9d06-bd82206e16ec?ui=en-us&rs=en-ie&ad=ie#OfficeVersion=Newer_versions

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to https://www.umarkonline.com .
      2. Click Chose File .
      3. Select a photo and click Open .
      4. Click Upload .
      5. Enter your watermark text.
      6. Edit the look of the watermark.
      7. Right-click the image.
      8. Click Save Image As .
      9. Save the image to your computer.

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