One thing everyone can do and that is part and parcel to "copyrights protection" is called a "watermark" or "logo." We've all seen them. On paintings and photographs, they're the little artist signature generally located somewhere on the image face; typically, we find them in one of the lower corners. This mark doesn't have to be your actual signature but it should be your name preceded with the "©" symbol immediately before it. (See Figure 1, opposite column)
There are several ways of adding your "signature watermark" to your images but this article is going to focus primarily on using the "Text" feature in most graphics editors to add yours.
First, open your graphics editor. MS Paint comes already built into the Windows operating system but you may be using another program or application such as paint.net. Then open your photo. A faster method to opening your photo is to right click on the image and scroll down to "Open with..." on the resulting Menu window. From here, select your desired editor; both your photo and the editing program will open together. (Figure 2)
Next, you want to add a text box/field to your image. Locate the "A", "T" or whatever letter you graphics program uses for adding text; most programs use one of the afore mentioned icons. (Figure 3)
Locate where you want to place your mark and single click in that location. Either a text box, a flashing cursor (verticle line) or a tex box with a flashing cursor in it should appear. When it does, you should have a full Text Toolbar across the top of your Window. (Figure 4)
Select your font type and size; Palace Script is highlighted in the example. (Figure 5)
You are now ready to create your signature watermark! Type the "©", your name and what other information you desire. (Figure 6)
Note: The "©" symbol is consider a "special character." Many programs will create the special character if you use a certain keystroke combination. In Microsoft programs, that key combination is by holding down the shift key and typing the left paren, c and right paren. If you are unable to create the "©" using the key combination, you should be able to do so in MS Wordpad, Notepad or one of the other default programs. I actually keep a ".txt" file on my desktop that has specific special charaters in it. Whenever I need one of these characters, I copy that character from the text file and paste it into my text box/field.
Now, you are ready to save your file, watermark and all! Click on "File" located in the top left corner of your window and scroll down to "Save as" and select the desired file type. I recommend that you save your images as a JPEG/JPG (.jpg) file. JPEG files are typically smaller in file size and easier to upload or send over the internet. (Figure 7)
Finally, select where you want to save your file and give it a name. Once you've named your file, click on the "Save" button. (Figure 8)
Note: I do NOT recommend that you save it with the exact same name. Consider adding another letter or number to the end of the name. For example, if your original file name is "mylilman001.jpg" consider adding the letter "a" or "b" after the number 1 changing the name to "mylilman001a.jpg". By doing this, you actually preserve the integrity of your original file.
Congratulations! You have now added your signature watermark to your image and created what is commonly referred to as "the poorman's copyright." Though it does not fully protect you like registering your photos with the government, it is a step in the right direction and gives you a small level of security that you would not have otherwise.
At the beginning of this column, I mentioned that there are a number of other ways to create and insert your watermark. One of those is by creating a PNG ("Portable Network Graphic") file and inserting it into your photo. Most graphics editors are capable of creating this type of file. Figure 9 is an example of creating and using a PNG file for your watermark. However, this column is already lengthy so I am going to save this as a subject for another column.
Enjoy your new found freedom... Practice creating your own signature watermarks and protect your images!
Figure 1: Your "signature" doesn't have to be your actual signature but it should be your name!
Figure 3: Select the "Text" icon to insert an open text box/field.
Figure 4: Decide where you want your "signature watermark" to appear and left click ONCE.
Figure 5: Once the text box appears, you will have the Text Toolbar appear (if using MS Paint) at the top of your window.
Figure 6: Type at least your name; I would recommend including the year as shown above in Fig. 1.
Figure 7: Saving your finished image with signature; selecting the file type.
Figure 8: Select where you want to save your file.
