Wondering how to use Pixlr to make graphics with text overlays?
Pixlr.com is well-known as a free photo editing tool. But you can also use it to make quote graphics, and much more!
While many free graphics tools have flooded the market, Pixlr is an old standby that has a Photoshop-type interface. If you’ve ever struggled with trying to learn Gimp (a free Photoshop imitator), Pixlr could be the one for you.
Pixlr is available as a browser-based tool, and for mobile devices as Pixlr Express. Our Pixlr tutorial will use the desktop version.
Benefits of Pixlr:
- A simpler version of Photoshop that can ease you into learning that tool of the pros.
- Completely flexible – you can do just about anything you can imagine.
- Work on any size images.
- Crop and resize images.
- Use your own fonts to keep branding consistent.
- You can create layers and layer masks for complex projects.
- Library of professional style filters.
A possible drawback is that Pixlr is completely open-ended, leaving you to come up with a photo or idea for your background, as well as the fonts you want to use. If you relish the thought of getting creative, and/or eventually want to learn Photoshop, Pixlr could be your free graphics tool!
Want more options? No time to read now? Download my free report on Pixlr plus 4 more design apps. Grab it here.
Step 1: Open Your Background Image
To create a graphic in Pixlr, you’ll start with your own photo, or make a background. You’ll also need the fonts that you want to design with – Pixlr doesn’t supply any fonts. If you have a font in mind that you want to use, have it downloaded and unzipped on your computer before proceeding.
Go to apps.pixlr.com/editor. You could choose to Create a new image, where you’ll specify the size and make a solid color background. We’ll be choosing Open image from computer. Browse your files and open the image you want.
Step 2: Crop and Size Your Image
Use the Crop tool to get the shape and cropping you want. Hit your Return key.
Then go to Image > Image Size in the top menu, and set your size.
You’ll find sizes for social media graphics in my Social Media Cheat Sheet. This link will open in a new window so you can pin the cheat sheet for future reference!
Pixlr gives you tons of Filter and Layer effects to edit your photo, but we won’t mess with them today. We’re gonna get this image done!
Step 3: Add, Style, and Color Your Text
Click the Text tool (large A icon) in the Tools palette. Then click in your image.
Now type your text in the Text area of the pop-up box. Below, you’ll choose Font, Size, Alignment, and Color.
All the fonts installed on your computer will show in the Font menu. Directly below that, you’ll choose the size and weight.
Clicking in the Color box to the right will pop up the Color Selector.There are many options to color your text! You can use the color wheel, the sliders, or type in your brand’s RGB values or hex code if you know it.
(Note: The pop-up boxes can be moved wherever you like).
Step 4: Add More Text Boxes (Layers)
Click the Text tool again to add new boxes for each font change. You can’t have multiple styles in one text box.
Click on the Arrow tool in the Tools palette if you need to move a text box. You’ll be moving the last one you made, unless you pick a different one in the Layers palette at right. Each text box is on a separate Layer – just like Photoshop. This might take some getting used to.
Step 5: Save Your Graphic
When you’re done, I suggest you save a .PXD layered Pixlr file that you can edit later. Also save a .JPEG if a small file size is needed, and a .PNG for best quality, especially with type and on Facebook.
If you need some guidance, check this post on image file types.
What Do YOU Think?
Will you try Pixlr, or is a different app better suited to your needs? If you’ve tried Pixlr or another design tool, I’d love to hear your opinion in a comment below.
Then grab my FREE report on Best Design Apps to review at your leisure. Includes a comparison chart of 5 popular design apps for non-designers, this How to Use Pixlr tutorial, and much more!
Click Here to Get the Free Report
Nice tool, thank you! But the text box is too small. How can I make it larger? And how can I add glow to the letters?
What I can’t figure out is how to add a semi-transparent box behind the text so I can put text on top of a busy photo, where the text doesn’t stand out enough. Can you do that?
That is a GREAT question Ellen!
Here’s how:
Add a layer
Draw shape with Marquee tool
Fill with paint bucket
Click the “Toggle layer settings” ON
Adjust opacity
Voila!
It says ” The layer must first be rasterized to be editable”. What should I do?
I don’t know how to answer. I don’t know if and what you’re trying to edit.
You could try doing what it suggests, or contact Pixlr support with more specifics.
Hi! Can we put or type links/hyperlinks on the photos using pixlr?
Hi Andy,
You can put text on photos, but you can’t make a live link on a photo.
I am struggling to get text to NOT pixelate when I save or merge down. I remember Photoshop had ‘anti-alias’ to solve this problem. What am I doing wrong? Thanks
Hi Louise :
Thanks so much for sharing.Would you be able to tell me how one could insert text editable fields on a graphic, like a jpg graphic for example?
Kind regards
Hi,
In JPGs (and most other file formats), text isn’t editable once the file is saved. In Pixlr, save as a .pxd. In Photoshop, save as a .psd or .tif.
I use the Type tool in Pixlr editor but the blue outline box shows when I bring the image into my copy. How can I eliminate the blue outline?
Hi Mary,
In my example, the blue box shows when an item is selected. Once I move on to another item, the box goes away.
I haven’t experienced a blue box that won’t go away. If your problem persists, try contacting Pixlr support.
Best of luck!
I just used the Pixlr Express and I did not find the option for the text size ( as overlay for a picture). Is that possible or I have to use the advanced Pixlr ?
Thanks
This tutorial is for pixlr.com Editor (it’s free) and not the Express version or mobile app.
How do you center text in photos?
Choose center alignment in the text box. Some programs will also include guides that help you center the text box on the photo, if the text box isn’t as wide as the photo.
Thanks for this information. I have gotten everything done, but I can’t get the size I want for printing. I’m designing something for a tshirt for a fundraiser. I need the back to be 10×10 and 2000 pixels at 200 dpi and the front to be 6×6 1200 pixels at 200 dpi. When I get the design small enough to print the whole thing, Cafepress says it’s only big enough for a shot glass. Thanks for any guidance.
Don’t know what you mean by “get the design small enough.” I can only guess that if you create the design to Cafepress specs, it should be fine. If it isn’t, you should check with them.
I am scanning family photos and would like to add dates, names, etc below the photos. Is this possible with PIXLR so generations to come will know who, when photos were made?
Sure! Just open the image and add text as detailed in the article.
Can I add an image (like a jpeg) to my original image with Pixlr?
Yes.
When I add text (in a new layer) on top of an image, the text looks fine in the GUI but when I save it (to either jpg or png) the text changes to a much smaller size. Any ideas?
How odd! I haven’t experienced this so you’d need to check their help files and/or ask their support.