How to position text over an image with CSS

html

responsive-design

css-properties

accessibility

byAlex Kataev·Jan 19, 2025

Place your text on an image using CSS positioning. Set the container's position to relative and the text element to absolute positioning. The text can then be aligned using the top, left and transform properties. Below is an example:

<div style="position: relative;">
  <img src="image.jpg" alt="" style="width: 100%;">
  <p style="position: absolute; top: 50%; left: 50%; transform: translate(-50%, -50%);">
    Centered text
  </p>
</div>

The given snippet places the text in the center of the image. You can adjust the top and left values to reposition as needed.

Managing z-index and positioning

Set your z-index wisely for layered elements. It helps keep the CSS stacking order intact when multiple elements overlap. Like arranging your playlist, the right z-index can ensure your essential text doesn't end up being an unheard country song in a rock concert.

Text styling: Life is too short for boring fonts

With CSS properties like color, font-size, font-weight, make your text pop over the image. It's like dressing up your words for a night out, making sure they turn heads.

Responsiveness and alignment: Supporting small screens since 2005

Remember to be kind to your mobile visitors. Use properties such as max-width: 100% and height: auto to keep image scaling proportional. Achieving vertical alignment is somewhat of a wizarding trick in CSS, but ::before pseudo-elements or flexbox are your magic wands.

Advanced overlay techniques: Bet you didn’t see that line coming

Use techniques like Centering the Unknown when the text size may vary. display: table-cell and vertical-align: middle got you covered for multi-line text. If you're also adventurous in adding visual depth, try using the background-image property. Goes to show that in CSS, there's always another mountain to climb.

Code maintenance: A tidy stylesheet is a happy stylesheet

Here's a tip: Package your image and text within a parent container. This allows for better aligning management. Assign a specific CSS class to the text to keep your code organized. More time coding, less time untangling.

Cross-browser compatibility: Because not everyone uses Chrome

Here's where things get fun. Making sure your design is consistent across all platforms can sometimes feel like juggling while riding a unicycle! Luckily, there's html2pdf to check if your text-over-image displays correctly when printed. Be sure to test and double-check to keep everyone happy.

Refine positioning techniques

Readability trick: Making text stand out, literally

Contrast is significant when overlaying text. Consider a semi-transparent background behind your text for better legibility against any image area. It's like wearing a neon shirt at a party. You will be noticed!

Tricky CSS: Avoid traps

CSS conflicts can wreak havoc on your layout. Specificity can help avoid this. Use unique and meaningful class names. Beware of global styles which might unexpectedly apply to your perfectly poised text.

Accessibility: The unsung hero

Include alt attributes for images and ensure the text contrasts well against the image. It's the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) way of saying "I see you, and I appreciate you" to all users.

explain-codes / Html / How to position text over an image with CSS

Linked

Switching the order of block elements with CSS



How would you make two ``s overlap?



How do I force a DIV block to extend to the bottom of a page even if it has no content?



Css table column autowidth



How do I position one image on top of another in HTML?

