Position and offsets
Start with a nine-point preset, then use horizontal and vertical offsets for precise placement. Keep the full layer inside the frame.
Add Text or Image Overlay to Video
Create captions, labels, callouts, badges or image layers and control exactly where and when they appear.
Text and image layersOptional time rangeVisual preview
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Add a video and configure a layer to see the preview.
Result
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How do I place text or an image over a video?
Choose a text or image layer, set its position, size, opacity and optional time range, then preview the beginning, middle and end before rendering the new video.
An overlay adds visible information to the picture
A video overlay is a text or image layer rendered above the source frames. It can label a speaker, show a callout, add a badge or place temporary visual information without changing the source file itself.
Who uses video overlays?
Product teams, teachers, support teams, editors and social-content creators use overlays for labels, instructions, prices, speaker names, chapter cues and visual emphasis.
Useful overlay examples
- Add a speaker name or short caption.
- Highlight a feature in a product demonstration.
- Place a temporary label, price or status badge.
- Add an image, icon or decorative frame.
- Show an instruction only during the relevant section.
How to add an overlay
Choose the source video and wait for its dimensions and duration.
Select Text or Image, then enter copy or choose an image the browser can decode.
Set font or image size, position, offsets, opacity and rotation.
Use the entire video or define a start and end time for temporary content.
Preview several moments, render the output and inspect readability, clipping and timing.
Overlay controls explained
Size
Text size controls readability; image size is usually relative to video width. Check both small and large screens.
Opacity
Lower opacity lets the picture show through, but can reduce legibility. Add contrast or a text background rather than making important information too faint.
Rotation
Use rotation sparingly. Angled labels can fit a composition, but long text becomes harder to read.
Time range
Use a custom range when the overlay refers to one scene. Check that start and end timestamps match the intended content.
Overlay and watermark are not the same intent
An overlay is general visual information and may appear only briefly. A watermark is normally a persistent brand or ownership mark. The rendering controls can overlap, but page copy and internal links should preserve these distinct user intents.
Processing and privacy
When verified in source code, local media and layer assets are composited and encoded in the browser. Direct URLs still require network access and can be blocked by CORS, authentication or expiration. Never claim local-only handling for a remote URL flow.
Overlay limitations
- Burned-in overlays cannot be switched off after export.
- A fixed position does not follow a moving subject unless motion tracking is actually implemented.
- Small text can become unreadable after downscaling or compression.
- Complex SVG, animation or unsupported image color profiles may not render as expected.
Common overlay problems
Text is hard to read
Increase contrast, add a background, enlarge the font or move the layer away from a busy area.
The layer is cut off
Reduce its size or offsets and keep the entire bounding box inside the video frame.
Timing is wrong
Verify start and end values against the video timeline and account for any trimmed source used before this step.
The image looks blurry
Use a suitable source resolution and avoid enlarging a small raster image beyond its useful size.
Video overlay FAQ
What can I place over a video?
The current tool supports text and compatible image layers. Exact image formats and font options must follow the implemented controls.
Is an overlay the same as subtitles?
No. An overlay is rendered into the picture. A subtitle track remains separate and can often be toggled, styled or translated by the player.
Is an overlay the same as a watermark?
The rendering may be similar, but the intent differs. Overlays communicate general or temporary information; watermarks identify brand or ownership.
Can the overlay appear for only part of the video?
Yes when the time-range control is enabled. Set start and end times within the source duration.
Can I move the overlay precisely?
Use a position preset as a starting point and refine placement with X and Y offsets.
Can I use a transparent image?
Yes for supported PNG or WebP files with alpha. Confirm the preview and exported result because decoder support can vary.
Will the source video be overwritten?
No. The operation should produce a separate rendered video.
Why does the output take time?
The browser may need to decode every frame, composite the layer and encode the complete result. Duration, resolution and codec affect processing cost.