Can I add my signature directly in Apple Photos?

Photos app has a signature feature, which can be used as a crude watermark.

This is the signature feature on an iPad:

There are various shortcuts and apps that can add watermarks on iPhone, iPad, and macOS, as well.

Here is one such shortcut, though I’ve not tried it: https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts/comments/9n99bx/ios12_shortcut_automatically_add_a_logopicture_as/

And for completeness, there are steganography-focused apps available for at least macOS, and tools that access EXIF data. The former tends to be much less obvious. The latter far more obvious, but far less intrusive.

PS: A fairly common mistake many new photographers make is trying to use file systems and file dates (folders/directories, filenames, and particularly file system metadata) to create a database of their photos. Better to use the EXIF data for that, and either a purchased photo storage app—if (when?) you exceed the capabilities of the Apple Photos apps—or use a database app you’ve built for your own needs such as one using Filemaker Pro. Don’t base your management and your processes on file system metadata. It changes. You’ll get angry or frustrated. EXIF data is entirely independent of file system metadata, and you can set the EXIF data to whatever you want, and it’ll stay as you want, until and unless you strip the EXIF data. (See ExifTool for more info.)

Sreinarz101 wrote:

Can you add a signature, or autograph stamped too pictures I take

Scroll up, and read how to do that.

You can setup Preview to edit the photos from within the library

and use Previews signature option to add your signature.

After adding the signature in Preview and placing it where you want it just do a Save and exit Preview. You'll be in Photos with the signature as shown above.

You can bo back into the Edit mode and do a Revert to Original to get rid of the signature for other uses of the photo.

Hi MrHoffman, I was trying to duplicate the Signature on iPad but couldn't find where it is. Could you elaborate a little further. Also the shortcut link you used errors out on my iPad. Thanks Much. GeeZ06.

MrHoffman, Got it thanks much. I noticed you can also "revert" if you decide later on you want to get rid of the signature. I guess both the Freeform and Photo app edit are both good options, but the Photo app edit is a little cleaner for doing the signature. Thanks Again!

Hello andem, Yes you can! You can use the new Apple App Freeform and Freeform is in the Mac too I believe starting with the Ventura OS. I'll try and run through it from an iPhone 13 Pro Max with you. I did it and it also showed up on my M1 MBP too. Anyway open up Freeform then at the bottom of the screen you will see "New Board". Click that. Then at the bottom of the blank screen you will see the Photo Option on the far right. It brings up a PoP UP and then choose "Photos or Videos". Then select one of your Photos and click ADD from the top right of screen. Your photo will show up for editing. You can make the pic bigger if you want by moving dots at each corner of the pic. Then to add your signature click on the MarkUP option at the bottom right of screen. There you can choose from the different PENS and COLORS. Click on a Pen and then you can choose the width of your Pen Mark. Then with your finger do your signature on the Photo. It might come out nicer using an iPad Styles Pen instead of your finger. On the Mac you would press down on TrackPad or mouse to do the signature. When you are happy with your signature and you will see the saved photo in your All Boards section in Freeforms. Your Photo in the Photos App is NOT changed because you are only editing a copy of it in the Freeform app. Its kinda cool. Hope this helps.

Old Toad, Great suggestion too! I did not realize you could edit Photos in Mac Preview. Thanks. GeeZ06🤠

Can you add a signature, or autograph stamped too pictures I take