How to add a Text Watermark to an Image in PHP

In this tutorial we will learn how to add a text watermark to an image in PHP.

How to add a text watermark to an image in PHP

To add a text watermark to an image in PHP, you can follow the following steps:

Step 1 - Load the image using the `imagecreatefromjpeg()` or `imagecreatefrompng()` function, depending on the image format.

Step 2 - Create a new image using the `imagecreatetruecolor()` function, with the same width and height as the original image.

Step 3 - Copy the original image to the new image using the `imagecopy()` or `imagecopyresampled()` function, depending on whether you want to preserve the original size or resize the image.

Step 4 - Use the `imagettftext()` function to add the text to the image. This function requires the path to a TrueType font file, the font size, the angle, the x and y coordinates of the text, and the text string.

Step 5 - Save the new image using the `imagejpeg()` or `imagepng()` function, depending on the desired image format.

Here is an example code snippet:

// Load the original image
$original_image = imagecreatefromjpeg('path/to/image.jpg');

// Create a new image with the same width and height as the original image
$new_image = imagecreatetruecolor(imagesx($original_image), imagesy($original_image));

// Copy the original image to the new image
imagecopy($new_image, $original_image, 0, 0, 0, 0, imagesx($original_image), imagesy($original_image));

// Set the font properties
$font_file = 'path/to/font.ttf';
$font_size = 24;
$font_angle = 0;
$font_x = 10;
$font_y = 30;
$text_color = imagecolorallocate($new_image, 255, 255, 255);
$text_string = 'Sample Watermark Text';

// Add the text to the image
imagettftext($new_image, $font_size, $font_angle, $font_x, $font_y, $text_color, $font_file, $text_string);

// Save the new image
imagejpeg($new_image, 'path/to/new_image.jpg');

Note- This is just an example and you may need to adjust the parameters based on your specific requirements.

Here are some additional tips for adding text watermarks to images in PHP:

1) Use a transparent background: To make the watermark less obtrusive, you can use a transparent background for the text. This can be achieved by using the `imagecolorallocatealpha()` function instead of `imagecolorallocate()` to set the text color, and specifying an alpha value (0-127) for the transparency.

2) Experiment with different fonts and sizes: The font and size of the text can have a big impact on the appearance of the watermark. You can try different fonts and sizes to find the one that works best for your images.

3) Use a semi-transparent text shadow: To make the text more readable, you can add a semi-transparent shadow behind the text using the `imagettftext()` function with a slightly offset position and a lower alpha value.

4) Position the watermark strategically: The position of the watermark can also affect its effectiveness. You can experiment with different positions to find the one that works best for your images. For example, you can position the watermark in a corner, or across the center of the image.

5) Use a larger font size for larger images: If you are adding a watermark to a larger image, you may want to use a larger font size to ensure that the text is visible.

6) Use a different color for different images: If you are adding watermarks to multiple images, you can use a different color for each image to make them easier to distinguish.

Overall, adding a text watermark to an image in PHP is a straightforward process, but it may require some experimentation and tweaking to achieve the desired result. With some practice, you can create professional-looking watermarks that protect your images from unauthorized use while still allowing them to be viewed and shared online.