How to Create a Watermark – 21 Ways to Protect Your Photos

By Eva Williams 23 days ago, Photoshop Tips

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Are you trying to figure out how to create a watermark for your photos to protect your works from being copied and used in commercial purposes? Check out these easy and free ways to put a watermark on a photo on any laptop or smartphone.

Create a Watermark: 21 Ways

There exists a variety of methods of signing your digital images and you can choose between doing it online, from a phone or using any image editor.

1. 123Watermark

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    Price: Free

    123Watermark has proven to be a great tool for generating recognizable watermarks in a quick and effortless way. You can work with a single photo or take care of batches of images in an instant. The service allows uploading images straight to the cloud and save settings for future watermarking tasks.

    Thanks to a straightforward operation, you can generate interesting watermarks without studying multiple guides. You can experiment with inscriptions, borders, embossed images and other graphics elements while creating a watermark. There is a special Cloud Connected function for streamlined workflow – you can upload watermarked images to such popular services as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive.

    2. Water Marquee – Fast & Free

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    • create a watermark with Water Marquee create a watermark with Water Marquee

      Price: Free

      With this free tool, you will be able to generate personal watermark designs or use and customize templates. It makes the process extremely easy – you only need to upload an image and then select a suitable option like Add Text, Add Logo or Use Template.

      After that, you add the text of your watermark and customize it, changing the font, size, color, placement. You can keep it opaque or set a transparency level if you want. After you add watermark to photo, just save your image by pressing the button and indicating the hard drive folder you wish to store it in.

      3. PicMarkr – Online & Free

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      • create a watermark PicMarkr create a watermark PicMarkr

        Price: Free

        Another free tool is the PicMarkr where you can upload 1-5 images from a computer, Flickr or Facebook account. The available watermark types are text, image or tiled. Opting for text, you will pretty much recognize the basic possibilities of the previous app, whereas the logo option allows you to put a small image over your photo.

        The logo has to be previously resized. Plus, you will have to make peace with the absence of a feature to make a watermark transparent so as to blend it into the photo. The tiled option will place your text in a pattern all over the image. We recommend using one of these online tools to generate seamless background patterns and textures.

        The last method is easy to apply but it makes it harder to view the image itself. A similar program called PicMark (note the difference) has a totally opposite approach, leaving your image perfectly viewable. It will create a frame for your picture where you can locate an inscription but you won’t be able to choose the size of the result.

        4. Watermarkws – Free & Easy

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        • create a watermark with Watermark ws
        • create a watermark with Watermark ws create a watermark with Watermark ws

          Price: Free

          There are more flexible ways how to create a watermark online. You can still opt to apply a character or a graphic mark and then select an appropriate spot for it. In addition, you can make such changes as adjusting the font or color and changing the opacity level for both types of watermarks.

          You can make your mark barely visible or right in the eye, and the overall results will look more professional compared to the previous options. Plus, there is a bulk option for processing several images together.

          5. Watermarkphotosnet – Online

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          • create a watermark with Watermarkphotos net create a watermark with Watermarkphotos net

            Price: Free

            This is another great option of how to add watermark to photos using a browser and type on photos online. If you are concerned about privacy, then you will like this website because it doesn’t send the images to an outside server. The procedure is done locally with no risks involved.

            6. Adobe Lr – Desktop & Professional

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            • create a watermark Adobe Lightroom create a watermark Adobe Lightroom

              Price: $9.99 per month

              If you do image editing and organizing in Lightroom, you can forget about additional programs and use it for applying watermarks in bulk. You will have to go through the process of configuring your watermark first. But after that, you can simply slap it on each time while exporting images.

              Find the Edit Watermarks menu section. Then, indicate whether you want to place text or a graphic sign over your images and that will open the next window with the customization parameters.

              In the case of using a character mark, you will be able to configure its dimensions and location. When applying a graphic mark, you will need to prepare a PNG file with one, not forgetting to make the background transparent, and then tinker with the size and location.

              7. Adobe Ps – Desktop & for Professional Photographers

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              • create a watermark Adobe Photoshop
              • create a watermark Adobe Photoshop create a watermark Adobe Photoshop

                Price: $9.99 per month

                For that, start with opening the required image and selecting the text tool. Next, type in whatever the mark should be saying, the common options being your surname, the company’s name, your website address, etc.

                This feature allows you to make various alterations to the text. So go ahead and select a special font, adjust its size and select a fitting color. When that is settled, take a moment to readjust the position. The common rule of how to create a watermark is to hide it in the bottom right corner where it won’t interfere with the main subject of the image too much.

                8. iWatermark Pro – Best for Mac

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                  Price: $30

                  You will find many ways how to put watermark on photos, including Signature, Arc Text, StegoMark and also Metadata. With a combination of these features, you can have a digital signature on the image and in the file itself. Moreover, you can process a whole folder of images without the need to place watermarks individually.

                  9. uMark – Best Choice for Windows

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                    Price: Free limited option or $29 for unlimited use

                    Regardless of whether you work with images or videos, if you can’t afford extra expenses, you can use the uMark free watermark software, just selecting the right version for your needs. Like in any entry of this list, you can place a character or a graphic watermark.

                    The software's intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all skill levels. The straightforward controls and step-by-step process enable you to quickly and effortlessly apply watermarks to single images or even entire batches, saving valuable time and effort.

                    uMark provides extensive control over the watermark properties, including size, position, opacity, and rotation. This level of customization ensures that your watermarks are precisely placed and visually appealing while effectively protecting your images from unauthorized use.

                    Furthermore, uMark supports various image formats, making it compatible with a wide range of file types commonly used in photography and graphic design. What sets it apart from the other options is the ability to place a QR code or some shape instead of a more traditional watermark. The results can be easily customized and saved for future use.

                    10. Arclab Watermark Studio

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                    • create a watermark Arclab Watermark Studio create a watermark Arclab Watermark Studio

                      Price: Limited use for free, the cheapest plan is $29 for a single computer license

                      While not the best software for performing other tasks, it still offers convenient ways how to create a watermark. You can easily adjust the basic parameters of a text signature like the font, its size and color, and the place where it sits.

                      In addition, you can use logos for the same purpose and regulate the opacity level of either watermark type. If that is needed, you can place several watermarks on one image.

                      As opposed to an earlier mentioned option, in this app, you can also regulate the size of the exported image. It is important for those who later post them online and want to optimize performance.

                      11. TSR Watermark Image

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                      • create a watermark TSR Watermark Image create a watermark TSR Watermark Image

                        Price: Free trial available, lowest subscription plan for $29.95

                        For someone with at least the minimum experience in image editing, this software will seem very easy to operate. It provides a common way how to put watermark on photo and an option for 3D media files.

                        With the more popular camera brands, you can sign your ownership in the metadata. Instead of just typing in your nickname, you can insert interesting crosses, borders and other effects to make your signature more unique.

                        The free version opens many possibilities but not all the features will be available. If you know that your needs for such software are higher, prepare to pay for a subscription.

                        12. Mass Watermark

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                          Price: A license costs $30 and you can get a free trial version.

                          If you need to make a watermark and apply it to tons of images in the shortest possible time, then this program is just for you. It works fast and is easy to use. Mass Watermark can be installed on a PC or Mac and provides good opportunities to enhance your pictures before adding watermarks to them.

                          Besides, you can resize the image, crop or rotate it before publishing on the Internet. Watermarks are also easily customizable to your needs. Another convenient feature is the ability to upload images to your Picasa Web Album or Flickr without leaving Mass Watermark.

                          13. Watermark Software

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                          • create a watermark Watermark Software
                          • create a watermark Watermark Software create a watermark Watermark Software

                            Price: A license costs $24.90 and there is an ability to get a free trial version.

                            Upload the photos and the program will perform all the necessary actions. You can add watermarks in the form of various pictures or text. Thanks to the Watermark Tiling feature, you can protect yourself from illegal use of your work.

                            The EXIF editor inserts watermarks to image’s metadata. Unfortunately, you will not get access to all the tools and functions if you use the free version. Only a license provides a complete set of features.

                            14. Alamoon Watermark

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                            • create a watermark Alamoon Watermark create a watermark Alamoon Watermark

                              Price: Free

                              Perhaps Alamoon Watermark is not the most advanced application for making a water mark, but it is quite easy to use and reliable. It works with various image formats and copes with thousands of photos in a short time. Unfortunately, the application contains only basic tools for watermarking.

                              Besides, you cannot edit images or create watermark templates. The professional version of this program does not provide the features that you expect to receive. You can find more powerful and affordable software.

                              15. Star Watermark

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                                Price: There is a free trial version, lifetime license’s prices start at $17.

                                This application is very fast and straightforward. It is possible to customize each watermark by changing its color, size, position, adding text, etc. The capabilities of this application allow you to use pictures to create watermarks as well as make multilayered ones.

                                The Star Watermark software has earned the trust of professional photographers as it provides excellent batch image processing capabilities. Among the minuses of this application, I would like to note the inability of using a digital signature as a watermark. Moreover, there are not enough advanced watermarking tools.

                                16. Visual Watermark

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                                  Price: There is a free trial version, a license costs $19.95.

                                  This program will let you create a watermark and add it to a ton of pictures in a few minutes. It is also suitable for adding copyright icons to your videos. This software contains about 260 fonts. However, it is possible to upload your own ones and use them to create your logos.

                                  The location and size are automatically configured for each image. But if necessary, you can change the settings manually. This app provides reliable protection against AI algorithms that threaten your watermarks. It slightly changes the template that you add to the processed pictures.

                                  17. iWatermark – App for iPhones

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                                    Price: Free

                                    This program supports the function of importing photos from your camera gallery. After the pictures are uploaded, you can insert watermarks. This free watermark app contains over 300 fonts that will give you an opportunity to make stunning signatures.

                                    If you wish, you can use ready-made templates as well as add dates. One of the advantages of this application is its excellent text editing feature. It allows you to adjust the spacing between lines, change the font size and so on.

                                    You can also crop your pics before sharing them on social networks so that they meet their size requirements.

                                    18. Watermark X – Copyright Photo-s

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                                      Price: Free

                                      This is great free software for those who do not know how to create a watermark yet. It is very easy to use and you will quickly figure out what's what. The application includes a lot of professional templates that you can use for your photos.

                                      The watermarks are easily customizable to suit your preferences and needs. You can adjust the size of the watermark, change its color and opacity, as well as move it around the picture. Developers regularly update available templates so you can choose the watermarks you like and change them whenever you want.

                                      19. Watermark Photo

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                                      • create a watermark Watermark Photo
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                                        Price: Free

                                        Smartphone photographers can easily apply watermarks, logos and signatures to their pictures using this application. If you know how to watermark a picture, you can identify your copyrights by adding ready-made templates or create your personal watermarks using fonts available in the library.

                                        All templates have transparent backgrounds so you can easily apply them to your photos. The ability to publish your images on social networks is also well-thought-out for you to share photos on Instagram or other platforms.

                                        20. eZy Watermark

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                                        • create a watermark eZy Watermark
                                        • create a watermark eZy Watermark create a watermark eZy Watermark

                                          Price: Free

                                          This application for making a water mark is among the most popular ones with iPhone users. Over 2 million downloads prove it. The app has excellent watermark options and you can quickly add your watermarks to the photos.

                                          The application library contains about 150 fonts. When creating an autograph, you can easily change the thickness of the pen. Import and sharing features are at a decent level. It is possible to upload pictures from the camera gallery or from social networks. Users can adjust the placement of watermarks on the photo, either centering, corner positioning, or custom positioning it.

                                          21. My Watermarks

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                                            Price: Free

                                            360 Camera, which is a leading manufacturer of photo software, created My Watermark. This app includes really cool features. It allows iPhone users to create a watermark that suits their needs.

                                            You can take photos of your handwriting to create a unique digital signature, make a logo and use them to claim your copyrights. But this is not all the capabilities of My Watermark. The program saves and tracks all watermarks and logos that you have applied. In this way, you can easily find them if necessary.

                                            Making a Water Mark as Logos

                                            Choosing the right logo for your business is just as important as knowing how to add watermark to photos. Your watermark should not be very complex and difficult to remember. Give preference to something that is easy to read, even when it is small or dimmed. You can also create a logo containing only text.

                                            Using a Watermark to Protect Your Photos

                                            add watermark to photo

                                            Learn how to create a watermark and add it to your shots to avoid the illegal use of your images. If you share your photos on the Internet, the lack of watermarks allows other people to copy your pictures and use them for their own purposes. By positioning your logo or watermark correctly, you will protect your works from being used for commercial or other purposes without your permission. To ensure the flexibility of adding and removing watermarks, you can utilize free online watermark remover tools, which provide an efficient way to remove watermarks when needed without compromising the quality of your images.

                                            Most professional photographers choose their logo or name as the basis for the watermark. You can also use only text for your unique watermark. In this case, I recommend saving it to your computer or in Hub to add it to your pictures quickly and conveniently.

                                            Using a Watermark to Promote Your Brand

                                            create a watermark

                                            Using watermarks will not only help protect your copyrights but will contribute to promoting your business. Once you have figured out how to put a watermark on a photo in the most winning way, you will make the name of your company more visible to people. All photos of your products, posts on Facebook or other social platforms should contain your watermark. You can use Facebook cover photo maker and then add a watermark in special software to boost the recognition of your business. Besides, thanks to watermarks, your pictures will look more professional.

                                            Freebies

                                            Get these watermarks absolutely for free and use them for your pics! With their help, you will easily add a watermark or a logo in Photoshop. Choose a plain text option or create a watermark on the basis of a picture or logo.

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