Hox to make white text readable on a background

[H_Gu]

Hey,

I want to make a post based on image like this.

What changes I have to make on the background photo to make the text readable ?

Thanks in advance, 

[Peru Bob]

Don't change the background.

Add a stroke and/or drop shadow to the text.

[H_Gu]

But as you can see on the photo above, I think there's a little blur and a black layer on the background photo, no ?

[D Fosse]

Personally, I'm firmly opposed to any kind of outline or shadow on text 😉

I think this is fine as it is, I can read this without any problems. The background already has been darkened with a lowered white point, which is just how I'd do it. If it still doesn't seem to be enough, lower it a little more. But I don't think it's necessary.

EDIT - oh, OK, I get it. You want to know how to do it. Just put a Levels adjustment layer over the background and pull the output white slider (the lower one) to the left.

[Kevin Stohlmeyer]

+1 @D Fosse - Adjust the image exposure to allow readability not stroke/shadow text.

[Peru Bob]

I guess I'm in the minority. 

[Stephen Marsh]

I guess I'm in the minority. 

By @Peru Bob

It depends on the display/output...

Devices such as monitors or phones, doesn't really matter as long as there's sufficient contrast.

Print depends on the output method, as screening and registration will have a bearing on the outcome.

[Trevor.Dennis]

Depends entirely on the content and background.  A stroke or outer glow can work well against a busy background. Even use a drop shadow with zero offset and size set for how much overlap you need.  Folk should remember that most layer styles can be used in other than intended use by changing the blend mode.  i.e. change Drop Shadow colour to white, and change blend mode from Multiply to screen or lighten when trying to make dark text visible on a busy but predominately dark background.

[chcgannie]

Thank you! This was a quick fix for an "Old Fashioned" cocktail recipe card I'm making. I was able to darken the background image and then added a layer mask to the Levels adjustment layer to remove the darkening adjustment of the cocktail (to reveal it's un-adjusted state)  while retaining the darkening of the background so the "recipe text" in white text can be read.

[Gord@APL]

Safest way would be to add a translucent 'grey' layer above the image and below the text layer(s), that way you can continue to tweak to suit your choice of fonts.

The example provided appears - to my eyes - to have a drop shadow as well - 'auxiliary' and the two lines below it each appear to have a subtle shadow, with different offsets, while the Merriam-Webster logo and title do not.

[Trevor.Dennis]