Text behind an image: Canva vs Photoshop vs UnderlayX
All three can put words behind a person or a product. They differ in how many steps it takes, what you pay for, and whether you can do it on your phone.
| How it's done | Steps | What you need | On a phone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UnderlayX | Upload the photo. The person or product is cut out for you and your text goes behind it. | 2: upload, type | Free for your first photo; Pro is $4/month for unlimited | Yes, in the browser |
| Canva | Duplicate the photo, remove the background from the top copy, add text and send it back between the two. | About 5 | Background Remover is part of Canva Pro (paid) | Yes, in the app |
| Photoshop | Add the text, use Select Subject, then mask the text layer so the subject covers it. | About 5 | A Photoshop subscription | Best on desktop |
Choose Photoshop when
you need full control: refining the edge around fine hair or glass by hand, retouching, or print work.
Choose Canva when
the text-behind look is one part of a bigger design with templates, brand kits or video, and you already pay for Pro.
Choose UnderlayX when
you want the finished post, ad or thumbnail in under a minute, from your phone, without learning layers.
Questions
What's the fastest way to put text behind a person?
Use a tool that cuts out the person for you. In UnderlayX you upload the photo and type: the person is found automatically and the words sit behind them.
Can I do text behind an image in Canva for free?
Canva's own pricing lists Background Remover as a Pro feature, and that's the step that separates the person from the background. Without it, the text can't go behind the subject.
Is Photoshop better for text behind an image?
Photoshop gives the most control: you can refine the edge around hair or glass by hand. For a social post, ad or thumbnail it's more steps and a subscription for the same look.