Put text behind your subject
Make words pass behind the person in your photo, the way a magazine cover does.
This page uses the same cut-out model as our background remover, so it is one of the few tools here that need our server: a 1024 px copy of your photo is sent over HTTPS, only an outline of the subject comes back, and nothing is saved to disk. Your full-resolution photo never leaves your device.
The effect where a big word sits behind the subject — the way a magazine masthead disappears behind someone’s head — used to mean cutting the person out by hand in Photoshop. Here the cut-out happens automatically: drop the photo in, type your word, and the subject is drawn back over the top of it.
It works best when the subject has clear edges and there is some empty space behind them — a person against a sky, a pet on a plain floor, a bottle on a table. Wispy hair and busy backgrounds are where every model of this kind struggles, including this one.
The word usually wants to be much larger than feels sensible. Start big, put it behind the head or shoulders, and let the subject cover a third of it — the overlap is the whole effect.
How to use it
- Drop in a photo with a clear subject.
- Wait a few seconds while the subject is cut out.
- Type your word, make it large, and drag it behind the subject.
- Pick a font and colour, then download the PNG.
Frequently asked questions
Is my photo uploaded?
A 1024 px copy is, because the cut-out model is far too large to download to your device — it is the same model our background remover uses. It is sent over HTTPS, held in memory, never written to disk, and only an outline of the subject comes back. Your full-resolution photo stays on your device, and so does everything you do to it afterwards.
Why does the cut-out miss bits of hair?
Fine hair against a detailed background is the hardest case for any automatic cut-out. A photo with more contrast between subject and background helps a lot. If the edge matters more than the effect, our <a href="/remove-background/">background remover</a> has a touch-up brush for fixing it by hand.
Can I use more than one word or line?
Yes — add as many text pieces as you like, each with its own font, size, colour and angle. Press Enter inside the text box for a second line.
Which font should I use?
Something heavy. Anton and Bebas Neue are the two condensed display faces here and they are what this effect normally uses, because a thick letterform still reads when a head is covering the middle of it.
Is there a watermark, or a limit?
No watermark, no daily limit, no account. There is a fair-use rate limit on the cut-out step because it runs on our own small server, but you will only meet it if you make dozens in an hour.
Can I do this without uploading anything?
Not this effect — the subject has to be found first. If you only want words over the top of a picture, <a href="/add-text-to-photo/">add text to a photo</a> does that entirely in your browser with nothing sent anywhere.
More free tools
All design →Business Card Maker
Design a business card at the real standard size and export a 300 DPI PDF you can take to any printer.
Logo Maker
Make a clean monogram, wordmark or badge logo and download it as a transparent PNG.
Photo Collage Maker
Combine several photos into one picture, with layouts, spacing and rounded corners.
Screenshot Beautifier
Padding, a gradient background, rounded corners and a shadow.
Screen Recorder
Record your screen and download the video. No install, no account.
Webcam Test
See your live camera feed, check its resolution, take a snapshot.