Add text to a photo – the best 5 FREE photo editing software

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There are many ways to add text to a photo, depending on what tools and software you have available. Here are a few methods you can try:

  • Use a photo editing software: Open the photo in a photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Canva. Select the text tool and choose the font, size, and color of the text you want to add. Click on the photo where you want to add the text, and type it out.
  • Use a mobile app: Download a mobile app like Phonto, PicsArt, or Adobe Spark Post. Import the photo into the app, select the text tool, and type out your text. You can choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors.
  • Use an online tool: Go to a website like Fotor, PicMonkey, or BeFunky. Upload your photo to the website, select the text tool, and type out your text. You can choose from a variety of fonts, sizes, and colors.
  • Print and write the text: If you don’t have access to a computer or mobile device, you can print out the photo and write the text on it by hand using a pen or marker.

The best 5 FREE photo editing software to add text to a photo

Here are five free photo editing software options that allow you to add text to photos:

GIMP: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source photo editing software that offers many features for adding text to photos. It has a wide range of text tools and customization options, as well as support for layers and other advanced editing features. GIMP is a powerful option for those who need more advanced photo editing capabilities and are willing to invest time in learning the software. While it may have a steeper learning curve than some other free photo editing software options, it offers a wealth of features and capabilities that can help users create professional-looking designs.

Since its release in 1996, it has served as the premier open-source alternative to Adobe Photoshop, offering professional-grade photo manipulation, graphic design, and digital artwork tools. It runs natively across Linux, Windows, and macOS with zero subscription costs.
The platform delivers a powerful, deeply customizable desktop environment:
  • Advanced Manipulations: It supports a layer-based workflow with masks, channels, blending modes, and precision selection mechanics like Bezier paths and intelligent scissors.
  • Modern Engine Updates:

  • Automation & Extensibility: GIMP excels at advanced scripting via Python-Fu and Script-Fu, allowing designers to execute command-line batch processing across thousands of files simultaneously.

While it lacks cloud-hosted collaboration features and has a steeper learning curve than web platforms, GIMP relies on a vast global community that maintains specialized third-party plugins like G’MIC.

 

GIMP
photo: Gimp – Pixabay

Paint.NET: Paint.NET is a free and easy-to-use photo editing software that offers a range of basic text tools and customization options. It’s a good option for simple text overlays. Paint.NET is a good option for simple text overlays and basic photo editing tasks. While it may not have all of the features of more advanced paid options, it’s a great free option for those who need to quickly and easily add text to their photos without having to learn advanced editing skills.

Canva: Canva is a popular online graphic design tool that offers a range of templates, graphics, and fonts. While there is a paid version, Canva also offers a free version with a range of basic design features, including the ability to add text to photos. It’s a great option for those who want to create professional-looking designs without the need for advanced design skills or expensive software.

Pixlr: Pixlr is a free online photo editor that offers a range of basic text tools and customization options. It’s easy to use and has a range of other editing features as well. It has a user-friendly interface, basic text tools, layers support, templates and presets, and is available as an online photo editor and mobile app for iOS and Android. It’s a versatile and easy-to-use photo editor that allows users to create stunning designs, whether they are beginners or advanced users.

Pixlr is a robust, cloud-based image editing and graphic design platform launched in 2008. It has solidified its reputation as one of the premier free online alternatives to Adobe Photoshop, delivering desktop-level processing power directly inside standard web browsers.
The platform strategically splits its core ecosystem into distinct user tracks:
  • Pixlr E: Designed for advanced workflows, featuring precise layout layers, lasso selection, masking, and cloning mechanics.
  • Pixlr Express: A simplified, intuitive interface loaded with filters, text dynamic options, and quick-fix overlays tailored for casual creators.
  • Pixlr Designer: A standalone creative space dedicated exclusively to multi-media templates and animations.

Driven by a highly capable generative AI engine, Pixlr automates traditional editing pain points. It handles complex tasks such as background extraction, object elimination, and AI generative expanding. Additionally, it supports modern text-to-video generation by natively hosting top-tier models like Kling and Google Veo.
Operating on a flexible freemium framework, the platform offers fully functional web access without forcing downloads. Premium updates unlock advanced AI computing pipelines, ad-free screens, and ultra-high-resolution batch file processing.

Fotor: Fotor is a free online photo editor that offers a range of basic text tools and customization options. It’s a good option for simple text overlays and basic photo editing. Fotor is a good option for basic text overlays and simple photo editing tasks. While it may not have all of the features of more advanced paid options, it’s a great free option for those who need to quickly and easily add text to their photos.

The platform operates on a three-in-one ecosystem: photo editing, portrait retouching, and graphic design.
  • Core Editing & AI: Users can perform essential functions such as cropping, color grading, and resizing images optimized for e-commerce platforms like Shopify. Driven by advanced generative AI, Fotor automates complicated image tasks with one-click enhancements, automatic object or background removal, and AI headshot generation.
  • Portrait Retouching: The dedicated beauty workflow allows editors to smooth skin textures, fix blemishes, and brighten eyes while maintaining a natural skin finish.
  • Graphic Design & Templates: For creators looking to build marketing materials or social media templates, Fotor features a drag-and-drop tool equipped with thousands of pre-made layouts, fonts, stickers, and college grids.

While a basic version is available for free, high-tier workflows operate on a credit-based subscription. Upgrading to Pro accounts unlocks premium AI functions, higher-resolution exports without watermarks, and batch processing capabilities for up to 50 images at once. Fotor remains widely praised for its balance of efficiency and creativity, offering cloud-ready convenience across web browsers, mobile apps, and light desktop clients.

These free photo editing software options offer a range of tools and features for adding text to your photos. While they may not have all of the features of more advanced paid options, they are great for basic text overlays and simple photo editing tasks.

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