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How to add editable text to a photo on Mac

Import a photo, add two individually editable headlines, style their looks, and save a Font Tools working copy.

6 stepsUpdated Nov 12, 2026Get Fancy Text on Photos
What you'll achieve
A photo with two separately editable headlines, OUR and MOMENT, saved in a .fonttools working copy that you can reopen.
What you need
  • Font Tools for Mac installed and open.
  • A photograph you have permission to use.
The final reunion photo with gold OUR and pastel MOMENT lettering and confirmation that the editable Font Tools working copy was saved.

Font Tools lets you create photo lettering without flattening the design immediately. This walkthrough starts from a photograph, builds two separate headline layers, and saves the composition as an editable project.

  1. 1.Import the photo

    Open Import… and choose the photo you want to decorate. Font Tools places it on the editing canvas so you can add lettering over it.

    Font Tools editing canvas with an imported rooftop reunion photograph, ready for text.
    Font Tools editing canvas with an imported rooftop reunion photograph, ready for text.

  2. 2.Add your first editable headline

    Choose Add Text, then use the Text field to enter OUR. The text remains a separate, selectable layer over the photograph.

    The white word OUR is selected on the reunion photo with the lettering properties visible.
    The white word OUR is selected on the reunion photo with the lettering properties visible.

  3. 3.Style and position the first headline

    Choose the Copper Foil treatment, set Size to 128, and drag the selected OUR lettering downward on the photo, keeping the faces visible.

    The first headline OUR appears in gold Copper Foil, moved lower on the photograph.
    The first headline OUR appears in gold Copper Foil, moved lower on the photograph.

  4. 4.Create a second independent text layer

    Choose Add Text again and enter MOMENT in Text. Select that new layer before styling it so the first headline stays unchanged.

    The new white MOMENT layer appears above the existing gold OUR headline.
    The new white MOMENT layer appears above the existing gold OUR headline.

  5. 5.Give the second line its own look

    Choose the Opal Glow treatment, set Size to 118, then drag MOMENT below OUR. Both lines remain individually editable.

    The gold OUR and pastel MOMENT headlines appear over the photo as separate editable lettering layers.
    The gold OUR and pastel MOMENT headlines appear over the photo as separate editable lettering layers.

  6. 6.Save an editable Font Tools project

    Use Save As… to save a working copy, such as Rooftop Reunion Memories.fonttools. Check the Saved working copy status to confirm the layered design is preserved for later editing.

    Font Tools shows the final two-line photo lettering and a green Saved working copy confirmation.
    Font Tools shows the final two-line photo lettering and a green Saved working copy confirmation.

Tips

  • Keep each headline selected while setting its treatment and size; changing selection affects a different layer.

  • Position lettering away from faces and other important details in the photo.

  • Use the editable working copy for revisions; a flattened PNG or JPEG is for sharing.

  • Watch outThe example uses a real photo and two text layers; text may obscure the photograph if positioned over faces.

  • Watch outThe saved .fonttools working copy is different from exporting a finished image.

Guides for Fancy Text on Photos