Text Behind Image AI 2026 - Create in 3 Steps (Free Tool)

Jan 5, 2026

Creating text-behind-image effects used to require 10+ manual steps in Photoshop. Now, AI tools can do it automatically in 3 simple steps. Text behind image AI technology separates foreground objects from backgrounds instantly, letting you add text layers in seconds - completely free and private.

Text behind image AI example - before and after

What is Text Behind Image AI?

Text behind image AI automatically detects objects or people in your photo, separates them from the background, and lets you place text between the layers. This creates a professional 3D depth effect where text appears behind the subject.

Common use cases:

  • Social media posts (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
  • YouTube thumbnails and video covers
  • Brand marketing materials and posters

The AI processes everything in your browser - your photos never leave your device.

AI vs Manual Methods

Let's compare three popular methods for creating text-behind-image effects.

Photoshop Method (Manual, Complex)

Photoshop requires 10+ manual steps:

  1. Open image in Photoshop
  2. Use lasso tool or Select > Subject
  3. Refine selection edges
  4. Create layer mask
  5. Add text layer
  6. Duplicate and arrange layers
  7. Position text correctly
  8. Fine-tune mask edges
  9. Adjust text styling
  10. Export final image
  • Cost: $20.99/month
  • Difficulty: Requires learning
  • Time: 10-15 minutes per image

Canva Method (Semi-Auto, Medium)

Canva simplifies the process with Text Layer feature:

  1. Upload image to Canva
  2. Use Text Layer app
  3. Remove background (semi-automatic)
  4. Add and position text
  5. Download final design
  • Cost: Free (basic) or paid (Pro features)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Time: 5-8 minutes
  • Privacy: Uploads photo to server

AI Tool Method (Fully Automatic, Easiest) ✅

AI-powered tools automate the entire process:

  1. Upload photo
  2. AI automatically detects and separates objects
  3. Add and customize text
  • Cost: Completely free
  • Difficulty: Zero skills needed
  • Time: 2-3 minutes
  • Privacy: Local processing (photos stay private)

Comparison Table:

MethodStepsTimeCostPrivacy
Photoshop10+10-15 min$20.99/moLocal
Canva55-8 minFree/PaidUpload to server
AI Tool32-3 minFreeLocal (private)

How to Use AI Tool

Here's the complete 3-step process for creating text-behind-image effects with AI.

Step 1: Upload Your Photo

Drag and drop your image or click to browse. The tool supports:

  • Formats: JPG, PNG, WebP
  • Size limit: Up to 10MB
  • Resolution: Supports up to 4K (4096x4096) images

Upload photo to AI text behind image tool

Step 2: AI Auto-Detects Objects

The AI automatically identifies people or objects in your photo and separates them from the background.

Privacy protection: All processing happens in your browser locally. Your photos are never uploaded to any server - they stay on your device.

Processing speed: Takes a few seconds to a few dozen seconds, depending on image size and your device performance.

AI processing image to separate foreground and background

Step 3: Add and Customize Text

Type your text and customize it with these options:

Text customization:

  • 35 professional fonts - Choose from a wide variety of styles
  • Size adjustment - Scale text to fit your design
  • Color picker - Match your brand or style
  • Font styles - Bold and italic options
  • Rotation - Angle text for dynamic effects
  • Letter spacing - Fine-tune character spacing
  • Drag to position - Move text anywhere on the canvas
  • Multiple text layers - Add as many text elements as you need

Background adjustment:

  • Adjust brightness to make text pop
  • Increase or decrease contrast

Edit text with 35 fonts and customization options

Step 4: Export Your Design

Download your creation in high quality:

  • Formats: PNG or JPG
  • Quality: Original resolution maintained
  • No watermark - Completely free, unlimited downloads

Export text behind image as PNG or JPG

Ready to try? Create your first text-behind-image design now - completely free, no signup required.

Why Choose AI Over Manual Methods?

AI text-behind-image tools offer three key advantages over traditional methods.

1. Privacy Protection

Your photos are processed entirely in your browser. They never get uploaded to any server, so your images stay private and secure. No account registration needed.

2. Completely Free

  • Unlimited use with no restrictions
  • No watermarks on your designs
  • No subscription or hidden costs

3. Simple & Fast

The AI handles all the complex work automatically. You don't need to learn Photoshop's 10+ manual steps - just upload, customize, and download. Even beginners can create professional results in minutes.

Real example created with AI text behind image tool

Conclusion

AI makes creating text-behind-image effects simple and accessible. Compared to manual methods:

  • 10x faster - 3 minutes vs 30 minutes with Photoshop
  • 100% free - vs Photoshop's $20.99/month subscription
  • Privacy protected - local browser processing, no uploads
  • Zero skills needed - AI does the complex work automatically

🚀 Start creating now - Try our free AI tool.

Related: You might also like our blur background tool for creating professional depth effects.

Text Behind Image AI 2026 - Create in 3 Steps (Free Tool) | Blog