Add Text in Lightroom

Adding text to your photos can transform them from simple edits into powerful visual stories. Whether you’re labeling images, adding titles, inserting metadata, or applying watermarks, knowing how to add text in Lightroom opens up new creative and professional possibilities. But Lightroom isn’t designed like Photoshop—its text tools are tucked away in modules like Print and Slideshow, making them easy to miss.

This guide reveals every method for adding text in Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC, including identity plates, watermark editors, and slideshow overlays. You’ll learn how to customize fonts, placement, and opacity, and how to batch-export images with embedded text.

Summary Table: How to Add Text in Lightroom

Method	Module Used	Best For	Customization Options
Identity Plate	Print Module	Titles, branding, logos	Font, size, color, position
Watermark Editor	Export Dialog	Copyright, branding, metadata	Font, opacity, alignment, shadow
Slideshow Text Overlay	Slideshow Module	Presentation captions, labeling	Font, color, position
Photo Info Metadata	Print Module	Filename, date, camera info	Limited to preset metadata fields

What Is the Identity Plate and How Can You Use It?

The Identity Plate is a customizable text or logo element that can be added to prints and exported files.

How to Add:

1. Go to the Print module.
2. In the right panel, check Identity Plate under the Page section.
3. Click the preview box > Edit.
4. Type your text or upload a graphic logo.
5. Customize font, size, and alignment.

Identity Plates are ideal for adding titles, branding, or stylized text to printed or exported images.

How to Add Text Using the Watermark Editor

The Watermark Editor lets you embed text directly onto exported images.

How to Access:

1. Go to File > Export.
2. In the Export dialog, check Watermarking.
3. Click the dropdown > Edit Watermarks.

Customization Options:

• Font and size
• Opacity and drop shadow
• Position (top, bottom, corners)
• Text content (e.g., name, URL, copyright)

Watermarks are perfect for protecting your work or adding consistent branding across batches.

How to Add Text in the Slideshow Module

The Slideshow module allows you to overlay text on images for presentations or exports.

Steps:

1. Go to the Slideshow module.
2. Click the ABC icon to enable text.
3. Choose Custom Text and type your message.
4. Use the Overlays panel to adjust font, color, and placement.

This method is best for creating captioned slideshows or exporting JPEGs with embedded text.

How to Use Photo Info Metadata as Text

Lightroom can display metadata like filenames, dates, or camera settings as text overlays.

How to Enable:

1. In the Print module, check Photo Info.
2. Choose a metadata field (e.g., Filename, Capture Date).
3. Position the text using layout options.

While not fully customizable, this is useful for cataloging or archiving images with embedded data.

Can You Add Text in Lightroom CC or Mobile?

Lightroom CC and Mobile have limited native text tools. You can:

• Add watermarks during export
• Sync Identity Plates from Lightroom Classic
• Use external apps (e.g., Photoshop Express) for text overlays

For full control, Lightroom Classic remains the best option for adding and customizing text.

Conclusion

Mastering how to add text in Lightroom gives you creative control over how your images are presented and protected. Whether you’re branding your work, adding metadata, or creating visual narratives, Lightroom’s text tools—though hidden—are powerful when used effectively.

Key Takeaways:

• Use Identity Plates for titles and logos in the Print module
• Add Watermarks during export for branding and copyright
• Overlay text in slideshows for presentations or captions
• Display metadata using Photo Info options
• Lightroom CC and Mobile offer limited text features

FAQ: How to Add Text in Lightroom

This page was last edited on 28 August 2025, at 5:54 pm