Put text behind your photo.
Upload a photo, drag the text anywhere, download the PNG. Free, no signup, and your photo never leaves your browser.
Drop a photo to get started
Works best with a person or one clear main subject
Choose photoWhat is the text behind image effect?
The text behind image effect places a word or phrase behind the main subject of a photo, so the subject appears to stand in front of the lettering. You see it on magazine covers, YouTube thumbnails, posters and social media posts because it adds depth and makes a simple photo look designed.
It works by finding the outline of the subject, cutting it out, and layering it above the text. TextMatch Studio does this automatically in your browser, so you only need a photo and a word.
How to put text behind an image
- Upload a photo. Drop an image into the tool. The AI finds the subject in a few seconds.
- Type your text. Short, bold words such as a name, a place or a title work best.
- Drag it into place. Click and drag the text anywhere on the photo. Place it behind the head or shoulders for the classic look.
- Style it. Pick a preset, then adjust the font, size, color, blend mode, outline and glow.
- Download the PNG. Save the finished image and use it anywhere.
Tips for a cleaner result
- Choose a photo with a clear subject. Good lighting and some contrast between the person and the background give the sharpest edges.
- Use big text. The effect is strongest when the lettering is large and the subject overlaps part of it.
- Try a blend mode. Overlay and Soft light let the photo show through the letters, which keeps landscapes and busy backgrounds visible.
- Use Outline for detailed backgrounds. An outlined word keeps the scene visible while still giving the layered look.
- Adjust edge smoothness. A lower value gives crisper edges, a higher value gives softer, more natural blending.
Ideas and use cases
- YouTube thumbnails with the video title behind the presenter.
- Instagram and Pinterest posts with a bold word behind a portrait.
- Posters and flyers with the event name behind a performer.
- Profile banners for LinkedIn, X and Facebook.
- Album, podcast and playlist covers.
Private by design
Your photo is processed on your own device. It is not uploaded, stored or seen by us. The first time you use the tool, the AI model files download to your browser and are cached for next time.
Frequently asked questions
Is the text behind image maker free?
Yes. TextMatch Studio is free to use, with no account, no signup and no watermark on your downloaded image.
Are my photos uploaded to a server?
No. Your photo is processed entirely inside your browser, including the AI step that finds the subject. The first time you use the tool, the AI model files are downloaded to your device and cached, but your photo is never sent anywhere.
What kind of photo works best?
Photos with one clear main subject, especially people, work best. Good lighting and a visible gap between the subject and the background give cleaner edges. Photos where the subject is very small or blends into the background are harder to cut out.
Does it work with pets, objects or products?
The cutout model is designed mainly for people, so results with pets, objects and products vary. If the result is not clean, try a photo with a plainer background.
The wrong part of my photo is in front of the text. How do I fix it?
Turn on the "Swap subject / background" switch in the Subject cutout section. You can also adjust Edge smoothness to make the edges softer or sharper.
What size is the downloaded image?
You get a PNG. To keep the tool fast on every device, photos larger than 1600 pixels on the longest side are scaled down to 1600 pixels before processing.
Can I use the images commercially?
Yes, you can use the images you create in your own content, including monetized channels, as long as you have the rights to the original photo.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes, on a recent version of Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox. You can drag the text with your finger. Older phones may take a little longer to find the subject.
Make a text match cut video
Our other free tool: highlight one word and get a kinetic newspaper-style MP4.