How Do I Add Text on Top of an Image in Webflow?

Easily layer text over an image in Webflow by using a container element, setting the image as its background, and then applying Flexbox to position the text precisely.

Adding text on top of an image is a common design requirement for creating visually appealing sections like heroes, banners, or testimonials. Webflow offers straightforward methods to achieve this layering effect. A popular and flexible approach involves using a parent container, setting your image as its background, and then placing your text element inside that container. You can then use layout properties, specifically Flexbox, to control the position of the text relative to the image.

Method: Using a Div Block with Background Image and Flexbox

This method is widely used in Webflow because it provides excellent control over both the image and the text placement. It aligns directly with using Flexbox properties to position elements.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Add a Div Block: Start by adding a Div Block element to your page. This Div Block will act as the container for both your image (as a background) and your text.
2. Set the Background Image: Select the Div Block. Go to the Style panel (the brush icon on the right sidebar). Scroll down to the Backgrounds section. Click the plus (+) icon next to Background Image and upload or select your image. You can adjust background settings like size (e.g., Cover), position (e.g., Center), and tile (No-Repeat). You may also need to set a minimum height for the Div Block so the background image is visible.
3. Add Your Text Element: Drag a text element (like a Heading, Paragraph, or Text Block) inside the Div Block you just created.
4. Select the Parent Div Block: Click on the Div Block again (the one with the background image and the text inside).
5. Apply Flexbox: In the Style panel (right sidebar), Locate the Display settings in the Layout section. Set this to Flex.
6. Position the Text: With the parent Div Block still selected and its Display set to Flex, you can now use the Flexbox alignment options to place the text. Use the Align option (such as Align items for vertical alignment and Justify content for horizontal alignment) to center or adjust your text within the Div Block. For example, setting both to Center will place your text in the middle of the image.

You now have text on top of your image!

Controlling Text Appearance

After positioning, you can style your text element directly:

• Font & Size: Change the font family, size, and weight in the Typography section of the Style panel.
• Color: Set the text color to ensure it's readable against the background image. Using a color overlay on the image can help with contrast.
• Padding/Margins: Add space around the text element if needed.

By following these steps, you leverage Webflow's layout tools and background image capabilities to easily create layered content with precise text placement using Flexbox alignment.