Add a watermark at export

A watermark is a visible graphic overlay that is applied to a photo. Photographers often use watermarks to indicate that the photos are protected by a copyright and to discourage others from inappropriately using their photos.

You can import a graphics file and add it to your photos as a watermark.

Use the following guidelines to create high-quality watermarks for your photos:

  • Save your watermark as a PSD (Photoshop) file with a transparent background.

  • Create multiple sizes of your watermark so that you can select the one that is the best match for the output size of the exported photo.

    Note: If a watermark file is larger than the photo you want to export, Aperture automatically scales the watermark down to fit the photo. (Aperture does not scale watermarks up.)

  • After you create a watermark, save it as part of an export preset so you can reuse it as often as you need.

Add a watermark image to your exported photos

  1. Select the photos you want to export.

  2. Choose File > Export > Versions (or press Shift-Command-E).

  3. In the dialog that appears, choose Edit from the Export Preset pop-up menu.

  4. In the Image Export dialog, select the export preset you want to use to export your photos.

  5. Select the Show Watermark checkbox.

  6. Click the Choose Image button.

  7. Select the image you want to use as a watermark, then click Choose.

  8. Specify where you want the watermark to appear on the photo using the Position pop-up menu.

  9. To adjust the opacity of the watermark, drag the Opacity slider to a new position.

  10. If you want the watermark to be scaled in proportion to the photo’s output size, select the “Scale watermark” checkbox.

  11. When you’re satisfied with how your watermark appears in the watermark preview area, click OK.

  12. Navigate to the location where you want the exported photos placed.

  13. Choose a name format for your exported files from the Name Format pop-up menu.

  14. Click Export Versions.

Your files are exported with the watermark you created.