How to Add a Watermark in GIMP

How to add a text watermark in GIMP

1. Open your image

   Use File → Open and select your photo.

2. Create the text

   Select the Text tool (T), click on the image and type your watermark. Set font, size and color in the Tool Options dialog or the on-canvas text toolbar.

3. Position the text

   Switch to the Move tool (M), enable “Move the active layer” in Tool Options and drag the text. For exact centring use the Alignment tool or Image → Align Visible Layers options.

4. Rotate it (optional)

   Choose the Rotate tool (Shift + R), click the text and enter an angle such as -30°, then click Rotate. GIMP converts the text layer to a normal layer after transforming, so finish editing the text first.

5. Lower the opacity

   Open the Layers dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + L), select the text layer and drag the Opacity slider to 30–50%.

6. Export

   Choose File → Export As, type a new file name ending in .jpg or .png, click Export and confirm the quality settings.

How to add a logo watermark in GIMP

1. With your photo open, use File → Open as Layers and select your logo.
2. Scale it with the Scale tool (Shift + S), keeping the chain icon linked to preserve proportions.
3. Move it into position and lower the layer Opacity in the Layers dialog.
4. Export with File → Export As.

Logo on a white background? Use Colors → Color to Alpha with white to make the background transparent.

Can GIMP batch watermark images?

Not natively. Batch processing in GIMP relies on third-party plug-ins or Script-Fu/Python scripts, and plug-in compatibility can lag behind new major versions. If you need the same watermark on many images, it’s usually faster to use a tool built for batches: drop all the files into WatermarkOn and they’re done in one go.

Tips for better watermarks in GIMP

• Add a soft shadow with Filters → Light and Shadow → Drop Shadow so white text stays readable.
• Save your watermark layer as a PNG with transparency to reuse it as a logo on other images.
• Keep the .xcf file if you might need to change the text later.

The faster way: watermark without GIMP

GIMP gets the job done, but it was not built for watermarking. If you just need your name or logo on your files, WatermarkOn does it in your browser in under a minute:

1. Open WatermarkOn and drop in your images or PDFs (as many as you want).
2. Type your text or upload your logo (transparent PNG works best).
3. Pick a position — a preset like centred or bottom-right, an exact percentage, or a pixel distance from any corner — then set opacity and rotation.
4. Click “Add watermark” and download each file or everything as a ZIP.

GIMP vs WatermarkOn

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a watermark transparent in GIMP?

Select the watermark layer in the Layers dialog and reduce the Opacity slider. 30–50% works well for most photos.

Why can’t I edit my watermark text after rotating it?

GIMP turns a text layer into a regular image layer when you transform it. Edit the text first, or keep a copy of the text layer before rotating.

How do I save a watermarked image as JPG in GIMP?

Use File → Export As and type a name ending in .jpg. “Save” only creates GIMP’s own .xcf format.

Is there an easier free alternative?

Yes. WatermarkOn adds text or logo watermarks to many photos and PDFs at once, right in your browser, with no installation.