Adding text to a photo on your iPhone is perfect for captions, labels, memes, invitations, or pointing out details. You do not need a separate app: the built-in Markup tool in the Photos app lets you add text, change its font, size, and color, and move it anywhere on the image. This guide shows how to do it in iOS 17 and later, plus tips and alternatives.
Quick Answer
Open the photo in Photos, tap Edit, then tap the Markup button (a pen tip icon). Tap + and choose Text (or Add Text). Double-tap the text box to type, use the formatting button to change font and size, drag it into place, and tap Done.
Step-by-Step (iOS 17 and Later)
- Open the Photos app and select the photo.
- Tap Edit.
- Tap the Markup button (pen tip icon) at the top of the screen.
- Tap the + button at the bottom right and choose Text.
- A text box appears. Double-tap it (or tap it and choose Edit) and type your text.
- Tap the color circle to change the text color.
- Tap the Aa (format) button to change font, size, and alignment.
- Drag the text box to position it. Drag the blue dots to resize the box.
- Tap Done, then Done again to save.
On iOS 18, the Markup button is in the edit screen's top-right corner; the steps after that are the same.
Customize Your Text
| Option | How |
|---|---|
| Font | Tap Aa and choose Helvetica, Georgia, or Noteworthy |
| Size | Tap Aa and drag the size slider |
| Color | Tap the color circle and pick a color |
| Alignment | Tap Aa and choose left, center, or right |
| Delete | Tap the text box and choose Delete |
| Duplicate | Tap the text box and choose Duplicate |
Keep the Original Photo
Photos saves edits non-destructively. To go back, open the photo, tap Edit, then Revert and Revert to Original. To keep both versions, duplicate the photo first: tap the three-dot menu and choose Duplicate.
Tips for Readable Text
- Use white text on dark areas and black text on light areas.
- Add a shape behind the text (+ > Shapes, then fill it) to make a label background.
- Keep captions short and use larger sizes for social media.
Other Ways to Add Text
- Screenshots: tap the screenshot thumbnail right after taking it to open Markup.
- Messages: when attaching a photo, tap it and choose Markup.
- Third-party apps: apps for graphic design offer more fonts and effects if you need them.
Related: draw on a photo on an iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add text to a video?
Not with Photos Markup. Use iMovie or another video editor.
Why can't I find Markup?
Make sure you tapped Edit first. On some iOS versions, Markup is under the three-dot menu in edit mode.
Can I use more fonts?
Markup offers a few fonts. Use a design app for more choices.
Summary
- Open a photo, tap Edit, then Markup.
- Tap + > Text and type your text.
- Change font, size, and color, and drag the text into place.
- Tap Done; revert anytime.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.