Choose an image with a clear subject
Look for an easily recognised detail: a product, a completed piece of work or a distinctive corner of your space. Start with a bright, sharp original. If a small preview is already blurry, adding text will not bring back the missing detail. Try a simpler viewpoint instead of a crowded background.
Open the studio and choose the own-photo starting point. It accepts JPG, PNG and WebP files up to 6 MB. ‘Manual editing’ is a suitable starting point when you only want to adjust your photo. ‘Quick layout’ can also start with your own image; generating a new AI image is a separate option.
Use the crop to direct attention
Choose an aspect ratio before adjusting the crop. In ‘Image’, use the horizontal and vertical sliders to select which part of the photo is visible. For a product photo, check that its edge, label or important detail is not left outside the frame.
Leave room for the text too. If the subject is at the bottom, try placing the text at the top in ‘Colours and positions’. If the upper part is busy, the lower placement may be easier to read. Compare two versions and choose the one you understand at first glance.
Let the text add something to the photo
You do not always need to describe what is already visible. ‘Five quiet minutes’ can add more atmosphere to a cup of coffee than ‘Coffee’. For a finished product, a specific update may be useful: ‘Now in two new colours’. Highlight the detail that helps your customer choose.
Put longer explanations in the separate post caption. Keep the image headline short and check it at a smaller size. If it is only readable close up, simplify the sentence. You can change the background and headline colours to suit the photo.
Read the headline out loud. That can reveal whether it sounds too formal or unlike the way you speak. Add only the most useful distinguishing detail to a product name. If you include a date or price, check it again before downloading: a finished graphic can still be shared after an offer has changed.
A few consistent colours beat lots of decoration
Start with two familiar colours from your business or tones already in the photo. Try dark text on a light background and light text over darker areas. Do not judge only from the large preview: the image should also be easy to read on a phone.
When the layout is ready, check the spelling, crop and any dates. Download the PNG and inspect the actual file as well. The downloaded graphic is your finished work to use on your chosen social platform.