How to Create the Text Behind Image Effect (Easy 5-Minute Tutorial)
You've seen it all over Instagram and TikTok—text that appears to go behind parts of a photo, creating a stunning 3D depth effect. This tutorial shows you how to create this viral effect in under 2 minutes using free browser tools, or with professional software if you need advanced control.
Example: Professional text-behind-subject effect created in under 2 minutes
What Is the Text-Behind-Subject Effect?
The text-behind-subject effect (also called "text behind image" or "layered text effect") makes text appear to pass behind parts of your subject, creating a 3D depth illusion. Part of the text is in front, part is behind—it looks professional and eye-catching.
Why it went viral: It's visually striking, stands out in crowded social media feeds, and makes even simple photos look professionally designed. Brands and influencers love it for product launches, announcements, and promotional content.
Before You Start: What You'll Need
Required:
- A photo with a clear subject: Person, product, animal, car—anything with defined edges
- A desktop or laptop computer: This effect requires processing power (mobile devices struggle)
- 2 minutes of time: That's it. Seriously.
Pro Tip: Choose the Right Photo
This effect works best with subjects that have clear edges and good contrast with the background. Portraits with clean backgrounds, product photos, or subjects with distinct outlines produce the best results.
Method 1: The Easy Way (Recommended for Beginners)
This method uses a free browser tool that automatically handles the complex parts using AI. You get professional results without needing advanced software skills.
✅ Why this method works:
AI automatically removes the background and creates the layering effect. You just upload your image, add text, and position it. Takes 1-3 minutes total.
Upload Your Photo
- Go to PhotoTextify.com
- Click the upload area or drag & drop your image
- Wait 2-5 seconds while AI automatically removes the background and creates layers
- You'll land in the "Background" tab - image looks the same but is now layered and ready for the text-behind effect!
What happens: The AI analyzes your image, identifies the subject, and creates separate layers (subject + background). The image looks the same at first, but it's now ready for the text-behind magic—the AI has already done the complex separation work!
Add Your Text
💡 Two Ways to Add Text:
- • "Add AI Text" - AI analyzes your image and suggests catchy text ideas (quick & creative!)
- • "Add Text" - Type anything you want (full control)
- Click the "TEXT" tab at the top of the editor panel
- Choose between "Add AI Text" (for smart suggestions) or "Add Text" (manual entry)
- If using AI: Select from suggested text options based on your image
- If manual: Type your text (keep it short—1-3 words works best)
- Try "Quick Styles" - 10+ professional presets (Neon, Retro, Gold, etc.) for instant stylish looks
- Optional: Customize further with font dropdown, size slider, colors, and effects
Pro tip: Start with "Quick Styles" for instant professional results, then customize if needed. Use 1-3 words maximum like "SUMMER", "NEW DROP", "VIBES" - the effect is meant to be eye-catching, not readable paragraphs. All styles remain fully editable even after applying!
Position the Text
- Stay in the "TEXT" tab (or select a text layer if you have multiple)
- Drag your text to position it behind/around your subject
- Make text large enough that it visibly goes behind the subject
- Adjust position until you're happy with the depth effect
The magic: Because the background is removed, the text automatically appears to go behind your subject. You don't need to manually mask or layer anything—the AI already did the hard work. You can stay in the "TEXT" tab for all text editing and positioning.
Style Your Text (Highly Recommended)
⚡ Quick Styles = Instant Pro Results:
Click any Quick Style preset for instant transformation - includes 10+ professional designs like Neon Glow, Retro 80s, Gold Luxury, Minimal, Bold Shadow, and more. Each style is pre-configured by designers but fully customizable.
Make your text stand out with these options:
- Quick Styles (Easiest): One-click professional presets - Neon, Retro, Gold, Minimal, Shadow, Outline, Gradient, and more. Instantly transforms your text!
- Manual Effects: Drop shadow, glow, stroke/outline - full control over blur, color, opacity, offset
- Colors & Fonts: Match your brand colors, try different fonts, adjust opacity and rotation
- Still Fully Editable: Even after applying Quick Styles, you can customize any aspect - it's just a starting point!
Add Background (Optional)
- Click the "BACKGROUND" tab at the top
- Choose from several background options:
- • "Clear": Keep transparent background (checkered pattern)
- • "Original": Restore the original image background
- • "Photo": Choose from 10 professional curated backgrounds (urban, nature, abstract)
- • "Color": Pick solid colors or gradients
Pro tip: Match the background color to your text color scheme for a cohesive look. Or go high-contrast for maximum visual impact.
Download Your Creation
- Click the "EXPORT" tab (or use the Download button in the toolbar)
- Optional: Choose canvas size (Instagram Story 9:16, Instagram Post 1:1, etc.) in the "SETTINGS" tab
- Click "Download" to export as high-resolution PNG
- No watermark, completely clean file - yours to use anywhere!
- Ready to post on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or any platform
That's it! From upload to download: 1-3 minutes. You've just created a professional-looking design that traditionally required advanced editing software and 30+ minutes of work. The tab navigation (TEXT, BACKGROUND, SETTINGS, EXPORT) makes the entire process intuitive and organized.
Pro Design Tips for Maximum Impact
📐Keep Text Large & Bold
The effect works best when text is big enough to clearly go behind the subject. Use bold or extra-bold fonts. Thin fonts get lost and don't create the depth effect as dramatically.
🎨Use High Contrast
Make your text a different color than your subject. If your subject wears dark clothing, use bright text. If they're light, use dark text. Contrast makes the layering obvious and eye-catching.
💬Keep It Short (1-3 Words Max)
This isn't for paragraphs. One powerful word or short phrase is more impactful: "BOLD", "LEVEL UP", "NEW ERA", "SUMMER 25". Think headlines, not sentences.
✨Add Drop Shadow or Glow
Subtle effects like drop shadows or glows make text "pop" off the background and enhance the 3D depth illusion. Don't overdo it—subtle is better than extreme.
📱Test on Mobile First
Most people will see your content on phones. Before finalizing, check how it looks on a mobile screen. Text should still be readable even when small.
Method 2: Using Photoshop (Professional Method)
For professional creators: Photoshop offers advanced selection tools and layer controls for pixel-perfect results. It costs $54.99/month but provides complete manual control for complex edits.
Photoshop Steps:
- Open image in Photoshop
- Select subject: Use Select → Subject for AI selection
- Create layer mask: Layer → Layer Mask → Reveal Selection
- Add text layer: Type tool (T), add your text below subject layer
- Position text: Move tool (V), position text so it goes behind subject
- Style text: Layer styles for effects (shadow, glow, bevel, etc.)
- Export: File → Export → Export As → PNG
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using Photos with Messy Backgrounds
AI background removal works best with clean backgrounds and good subject separation. Super busy backgrounds or low contrast between subject and background can produce rough edges.
✅ Solution: Choose photos with clear subjects and decent background separation. Good lighting helps a lot.
❌ Making Text Too Small
The "behind" effect only works if text is large enough to visibly overlap with your subject. Tiny text defeats the purpose.
✅ Solution: Make text at least 1/3 the height of your subject. Go big or go home.
❌ Using Too Many Words
This effect is meant to be impactful, not readable paragraphs. Full sentences look cluttered and lose the visual punch.
✅ Solution: Stick to 1-3 words maximum. Think billboard, not essay.
❌ Low Contrast Between Text & Subject
If your text color blends with your subject, the effect becomes subtle to the point of invisible.
✅ Solution: Use contrasting colors. Dark subject = bright text. Light subject = dark text.
Creative Use Cases & Examples
🎭 Personal Branding
Influencers and content creators use this for profile pictures, Instagram posts, and thumbnails. Add your name or tagline with the effect for memorable branding.
Example: Your portrait with "CREATIVE" going behind you
🛍️ Product Launches
E-commerce brands announce new products with this effect. Product photo with "NEW DROP" or "COMING SOON" creates hype.
Example: Sneaker with "FRESH" text behind the shoe
🎉 Event Promotion
Concert posters, party invites, workshops—this effect grabs attention. Add date or event name with the layered look.
Example: DJ photo with "LIVE" behind their silhouette
💪 Motivational Content
Fitness coaches, life coaches, and motivational accounts use action photos with powerful words layered behind.
Example: Athlete mid-action with "UNSTOPPABLE" behind them
🎂 Special Occasions
Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations—add significance to personal photos with meaningful words.
Example: Birthday photo with "CHAPTER 25" layered in
🎨 Portfolio Work
Designers, photographers, and creatives showcase work with this effect. Adds polish to portfolio presentations.
Example: Your work with your name/logo integrated artistically
Common Questions
Can I do this on my phone?
Unfortunately, the AI processing required for automatic background removal needs desktop/laptop power. Mobile devices don't have enough processing capability. However, once you create it on desktop, you can post it from mobile.
Does this work with any image?
It works best with subjects that have clear edges and good contrast with the background. Portraits, products, vehicles, and animals with decent lighting all work great. Images with very busy backgrounds or extremely low contrast may produce less clean results.
Can I add multiple text layers?
Yes! Tools like PhotoTextify support unlimited text layers. You can have different words at different positions, sizes, and styles. Just be careful not to make it too busy—sometimes less is more.
What export format should I use?
Always PNG for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. PNG preserves quality and transparency. JPG compresses the image and can add artifacts. Most social media platforms accept PNG and display it beautifully.
Is this effect still trendy in 2025?
Absolutely. While trends come and go, the text-behind-subject effect has staying power because it's both eye-catching and functional—it makes content stand out while adding professional polish. Major brands still use it regularly, which means it's not "played out."
Final Thoughts
The text-behind-subject effect used to require professional photo editing software. Now, AI-powered browser tools make it accessible to everyone in under 2 minutes, while professional software like Photoshop still offers the most control for complex projects.
Whether you're a content creator, small business owner, or just want to make your social media posts stand out, this effect delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.
Remember the golden rules: Keep text bold and large, use high contrast, stick to 1-3 words, and choose photos with clear subjects. Follow those guidelines, and you'll create viral-worthy content every time.
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