How to Add Text to Photos on iPhone, iPad, and Mac Using Apple’s Built-In Tools
Adding text to photos doesn’t require expensive software or complicated apps. Apple includes powerful Markup tools built directly into Photos and Preview on macOS, iPhone, and iPad.
Whether you’re labeling images, adding captions, creating simple graphics, or marking up screenshots, Apple’s native tools make it easy — and best of all, edits are non-destructive, so you can always revert to the original photo.
🎓 What You’ll Learn
• Add text to photos using Apple Photos on a Mac
• Use Markup tools on iPhone and iPad
• Draw shapes, arrows, and callouts
• Use Smart Shapes for clean lines and symbols
• Transfer edits between devices using Handoff
• Add text using Preview on macOS
• Revert edited photos back to the original at any time
🖥️ Adding Text on Mac with Apple Photos
• Use Markup inside Apple Photos to add text boxes, shapes, lines, and highlights
• Customize font size, color, opacity, borders, and placement
• Perfect for quick annotations, labels, or simple photo designs
🔄 Using Handoff Between Mac and iPad
• Start editing a photo on your Mac and continue instantly on your iPad or iPhone
• See edits sync in real time using the same Markup tools
• Ideal for switching from mouse/keyboard to touch or Apple Pencil
✏️ Smart Shapes & Drawing Tools
• Draw rough shapes that automatically convert into clean circles, arrows, stars, and speech bubbles
• Create polished visuals without precise drawing skills
• Use sketch tools, shape recognition, and color controls
📱 Adding Text on iPhone & iPad
• Add text and shapes directly in the Photos app on iOS and iPadOS
• Adjust fonts, colors, opacity, and alignment with touch controls
• Works the same on iPhone and iPad for a consistent workflow
🧰 Using Preview on Mac
• Add text, shapes, and annotations using Preview outside of Photos
• Ideal for screenshots, downloaded images, and quick edits
• Includes selection tools, drawing tools, and text boxes
🔁 Non-Destructive Editing
• All edits made in Apple Photos can be reverted at any time
• Original images remain untouched
• Experiment freely without risking permanent changes