Fill text with an image in Photoshop

Last updated on Oct 4, 2026

Use the Convert to Frame feature to clip images inside text shapes for dynamic typography effects.

Filling text with images creates striking visual effects for posters, social media graphics, and marketing materials by combining typography with photography.

This technique uses Photoshop's frame functionality to clip an image layer inside text shapes. The text stays editable after conversion, and you can reposition the image within the frame at any time. This method works with any font and requires at least two layers: a text layer and an image layer.

What you need:

  • Text layer created with the Type tool
  • Image layer added to your document
  • Image large enough to cover the text area

Create the text frame

Select the Horizontal Type tool or Vertical Type tool from the toolbar.

Type your text over the image.

Adjust the text size, font, and color in the Properties panel.

Drag your image layer beneath the text layer in the Layers panel.

Right-click the text layer and select Convert to Frame.

The image appears within the text shape, clipped to the letterforms.

Adjust the image position

Select the Move tool from the toolbar.

Drag the image to reposition it within the text frame until the desired portion shows through the letters.

Tip

Drag an image layer directly onto a text layer in the Layers panel to create a text frame. The layer order doesn't matter when using this method.

Edit the text

The frame maintains the connection between the text shape and the image layer. When you edit the text, the image automatically adapts to fit the new letterforms.

To modify the text, select the frame layer in the Layers panel.

Use the Type tool to make changes.