How to Add Text in Lightroom - All 3 Methods

Can You Add Text To Lightroom Photos?

Just like with Photoshop, you can also add text to your images in Lightroom, but the process and possibilities are uniquely tailored to this powerful software. Adding text to photos is a critical step in photography editing, especially when creating watermarks, captions, or specific narratives within your visual work. This article demystifies the process, guiding you through the most efficient and creative ways to incorporate text into your images using Lightroom's diverse modules.

Adding Text through the Print Module

When you're looking to add text to your images in Lightroom, the Print Module is a very resourceful place to start. Think of this module as a flexible canvas where your image and text coexist. Here, you can layout your image as if it's on a physical sheet of paper. The process starts by selecting the Print module from the top right of the Lightroom interface.

1. Page Setup Configuration: First, I go to the Page Setup option located in the bottom left corner. Here, I can adjust paper size and other print configurations. It's essential to tweak these settings to match the final output I'm envisioning.
2. Choosing the Custom Package: Next, I navigate to the Layout Style panel and select a custom package template. These templates are essential for positioning my images correctly. I usually drag my chosen image from the photo bin at the bottom into the layout's designated slots.
3. Adding Custom Text: In the Page menu, I ensure the Photo Info box is checked. This allows me to add text. I select the type of text I want from the drop-down menu – often opting for Custom Text for more personalized captions.
4. Customizing Text with Identity Plate: For more text customization, I use the Identity Plate feature. By checking the Identity Plate box and clicking on 'Edit', I can type and stylize my text. This is where I play around with fonts and sizes to match the aesthetic of my image.

Method of Watermarking

Another method to add text in Lightroom is through watermarking, which is ideal for branding or copyrighting your images.

1. Activating the Watermark Editor: I start in the Print module and navigate to File > Export. In the export dialogue box, there's an option for Watermarking. Here, I ensure the watermark box is checked and then select 'Edit Watermark'.
2. Customizing the Watermark: In the Watermark Editor, I type my text and then proceed to customize it. This includes font selection, color, opacity, and orientation. It's a straightforward process but essential for maintaining a consistent brand image across all my photographs.
3. Saving for Batch-Processing: I often use watermarks for multiple images, so I save my settings for batch-processing. This saves time and ensures consistency across a series of images.

Adding Text in Slideshow Module

The Slideshow module in Lightroom is another avenue for adding text to your images, particularly useful for presentations or digital albums.

1. Importing and Selecting Images: After importing my images via File > Import Photos and Videos, I select the ones I want to work with. I typically use this method for black and white images, as the text stands out more prominently.
2. Enabling Text Fields: In the Slideshow panel, I activate the text field by clicking the 'ABC' button. It's important to set this to 'Custom Text' for personalized captions.
3. Customizing Text Appearance: Under the Overlays menu, I find the Text Overlays panel. Here, I can adjust the text color (usually sticking to grayscale for consistency), select the font, and set the opacity. Resizing and positioning the text is done directly on the image using the bounding box handles.
4. Exporting the Final Product: Once satisfied with the text placement and styling, I export the images via Slideshow > Export JPEG Slideshow. This is where I define the final image quality, dimensions, and file name before saving.