One of the most frequently asked questions by new webmasters is how to add text to their images. I have good news for everyone. It’s easy, so relax.
First though you need to have a basic understanding of the graphics software you are using. The best way to learn your software is to use it and consult the help section located within it often. Sadly though many software packages do not come with printed manuals anymore.
I am the type of person who likes to read a step-by-step tutorial on paper while I have my hands on the keyboard, mouse or graphics pen. I dislike having to flip back and forth between screens just to re-read instructions for the second or third time. But that’s the progress of technology, right? A paperless system is what they call it. If you are like me, simply print the tutorial or sections of your software’s help manual that you know you will refer to often. Punch holes into the pages and place it into a 3-ring binder for future reference.
This mini-tutorial covers the generic steps for the three graphics software packages we recommend: Adobe PhotoShop, Jasc Paint Shop Pro and Ulead PhotoImpact.
Important: BEFORE you begin, be sure to have a backup copy of all graphics you are about to change. This will save you tons of time if something does not go right and you need to start all over again.
Open your graphics software and go to File > Open. Browse your hard drive for the graphics file you wish to apply the text.
1. Increasing Color Depth
If the image is a GIF, you will need to convert it or increase the color depth to 24-bit (also called True Color, 16 Million Colors or RGB).
Photoshop 5.5:
Image > Mode > RGB Color
Paint Shop Pro 7:
Colors > Increase Color Depth > 16 Million Colors (24 bit)
PhotoImpact 7:
Format > Data Type > RGB True Color
2. Add Text to Image
Photoshop 5.5:
Select the Type Tool icon (T) from the tool pallet. Place your mouse cursor on the image in the location where you want the text applied. A “Type Tool” window will popup. You can type your text within the box area, change your font face, style, size, and color. Click OK.
Paint Shop Pro 7:
Select the Text Tool icon (A) from the tool pallet. Place your mouse cursor on the image in the location where you want the text applied. A “Type Entry” window will popup. You can type your text within the box area, change your font face, style, size and color. Click OK.
PhotoImpact 7:
Select the Type Tool icon (T) from the tool pallet. Place your mouse cursor on the image in the location where you want the text applied. A “Type Entry Box” window will popup. You can type your text within the box area, change your font facet, style, size and color. Click OK.
3. Save Your New Image
After you are satisfied with your revised image, you need to save it. If you are working with one of our templates, we advise saving it in the same location and with the same file name as the original image located in most cases within the “images” directory.
File > Save As > Browse your hard drive for the graphics file you wish to replace or find a new location on your system. Make a note as to where you saved it if you opt to save it in a new location on your system. And there you go!
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