Add Copyright to Photo: Free © Symbol Watermark
A copyright line with the © symbol and your name is the quickest way to show who owns a photo. Type it in, drag it into place on the live preview, and download the marked copy. Everything runs in your browser, so the original is never uploaded.
- © symbol
- Live preview
- No upload
- Free, no sign-up
Bulk Image Watermarker
Add a text watermark to up to 20 photos. Drag it on a live preview before you download.
Quick answer: how to add a copyright symbol to a photo
Upload the photo, type a copyright line like © 2025 Your Name in the text box, choose size, opacity and position, drag it into place on the live preview, and click download. The © symbol can be typed with Alt+0169 on Windows, Option+G on Mac, or pasted from anywhere. Everything runs in your browser, so the photo is not uploaded.
- Adds a © symbol and any text you like
- Live preview with drag placement
- JPG, PNG and WebP supported
- Batch up to 20 images at a time
- Runs in your browser, no upload
- Free, no sign-up, no hidden fees
How to add copyright to a photo in 3 steps
- 1
Upload your photo
Drag in a JPG, PNG or WebP image, or pick one from your device. The image loads instantly without uploading to a server.
- 2
Type the copyright line
Use a format like © 2025 Your Name or © YourName.com. Type or paste the © symbol, then drag it on the preview to place it exactly where you want.
- 3
Download the marked copy
Click download. The photo saves with the copyright line drawn on top at full resolution. Original files remain untouched on your device.
Why add a copyright line
Photographs are copied the moment they go online. A visible © line makes ownership clear, gives viewers a name to search for, and makes casual reuse less likely. It is also a low-effort habit: once you have a saved watermark line, every upload is a one-minute job.
A © mark is a signal, not a lock. If you want extra protection on public previews, use tiled mode so the mark covers the whole photo, or place the line across the subject instead of in a corner.
Features of this copyright tool
Clear ownership claim
A visible © line with your name and year is the universal way to tell viewers who owns the photo. It deters casual copying and makes credit clear.
Custom text and format
Type your name, your studio, your website, or all of them together. The text is rendered in a clean, readable font that scales correctly.
Live drag preview
See exactly how the copyright line looks on the photo before processing. Drag it to the bottom-right corner or anywhere else with your mouse or finger.
Private, runs in your browser
Your photos are not uploaded to a server. The copyright line is drawn in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API, keeping your work private.
Copyright mark basics
- 1
Keep the text short and readable
A simple "© 2025 Your Name" or "© YourName.com" is easier to read than a long sentence, especially on smaller screens and thumbnails.
- 2
Place it in a corner for a subtle look
The bottom-right or bottom-left corner is standard for a subtle copyright line. If you want stronger protection, use tiled mode or place it across the subject.
- 3
Choose a color with contrast
Use white for dark photos and black/gray for bright photos. A slight opacity (around 40-60%) helps it stand out without being too distracting.
- 4
Add your website for better credit
Including your domain tells people where to find you or request a license, which is much more useful than just a name when the photo is shared.
- 5
You already own the copyright
Under most copyright laws, the moment you take a photo you own it. A visible mark makes that ownership obvious to other people, which is the practical benefit.
Who uses a copyright watermark
Photographers
Protect portfolio images and client proofs by adding your copyright and website to every photo before they go online.
Artists and illustrators
Post your work on social media with a visible copyright mark so credit travels with the image wherever it is shared.
Content creators
Add your copyright line to thumbnails, graphics, and photos before sharing them on blogs, YouTube, or Instagram.
Businesses
Mark official company photos, team headshots, and product mockups with © YourCompany to establish clear ownership.
Bloggers and writers
Watermark original photos on your blog so scrapers and content farms cannot easily reuse them without credit.
Architects and designers
Add a copyright mark to project photos, 3D renders, and design drafts before sending them to clients or posting online.
What works well and what to keep in mind
What works well
- Adds a © symbol and custom text to your images
- Live preview with drag placement for perfect positioning
- Supports JPG, PNG and WebP input formats
- Batch up to 20 images at a time with one ZIP download
- Full original resolution is kept for the final output
What to keep in mind
- Text watermarks only (no logo image uploads yet)
- A watermark is a deterrent, not a legal lock or DRM
- JPG export applies standard compression to save space
- Very large photos may take a few seconds per image
- You must use your own or permitted photos
Browser copyright tool vs other types
A general comparison by tool type. Features and limits of other tools vary, so check any tool you use.
| Feature | ToolDeck | Typical cloud tools | Desktop software |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photos uploaded to a server | No, processed in your browser | Usually yes | No |
| Sign-up needed | No | Often | Install required |
| Batch watermarking | Up to 20 per batch | Often a paid feature | Yes |
| Live drag preview | Yes | Varies | Yes |
| Add © symbol quickly | Yes | Varies | Yes |
| Works on mobile | Yes | Yes | Rarely |
Copyright watermark FAQ
How do I type the © symbol?
On Windows hold Alt and type 0169 on the numpad. On Mac press Option + G. On mobile, long-press C and pick ©. You can also copy and paste it straight from this page.
What is the best format for a copyright watermark?
Something like © 2025 Your Name or © YourName.com. Short lines stay readable at small sizes and on phones, and a website gives people a way to reach you.
Does a copyright watermark legally protect my photo?
Copyright exists from the moment you create the photo, whether or not you add a mark. A visible © line makes your ownership clear to viewers and can help if you ever need to enforce it, but it is not a substitute for registering a copyright in your country if that is available.
Can I watermark more than one photo at once?
Yes, up to 20 images per batch. If you have more, watermark them in groups of 20. The settings stay the same so the look will be consistent.
Does it upload my photos?
No. Everything runs in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas. Your images stay on your device and are never sent to a server.
Can I use a logo instead of the © symbol?
Not yet. This tool supports text watermarks only, which means © plus your name or website. Image/logo watermarks are planned for a future update.
Where should I place the copyright line?
Bottom-right or bottom-left is the most common for a subtle credit. For stronger protection, use tiled mode or place the line across the subject, because a corner mark is easier to crop out.
Can I add the year to the copyright line?
Yes, and it is common practice. Something like © 2025 Your Name shows when the work was first published. It is optional but helps establish a timeline.
Is it free?
Yes. No sign-up, no watermark added by us, and no hidden fees. It is completely free for personal and commercial use.
Privacy note
The watermarking happens on your device. Your photos are read by your browser, drawn on a canvas and saved back to your device. They are not sent to ToolDeck servers. See our Privacy Policy for details.