Comprehensive FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find comprehensive answers to common questions about PicOverlay. From basic usage to advanced features, we've covered everything you need to know about our free image overlay tool.

Processing time: Under 100ms

100% private - no uploads required

Unlimited free downloads

15+ professional blend modes

Works on all devices

Professional-grade quality

Getting Started

Essential information for getting started with PicOverlay

Is PicOverlay really free to use?

Yes, PicOverlay is completely free forever with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or premium features. We believe professional image editing tools should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. There are no usage limits, watermarks, or restrictions on the number of images you can process.

Do I need to create an account or sign up?

No account creation is required! You can start creating image overlays immediately without registration, email verification, or providing any personal information. We respect your privacy and believe in friction-free access to professional tools.

What makes PicOverlay different from other image overlay tools?

PicOverlay combines professional-grade features with unmatched speed and privacy. Our WebAssembly engine processes images 10x faster than competitors, all processing happens client-side (your images never leave your device), and we offer advanced features like 15+ blend modes, precise controls, and professional output quality - all completely free.

Features & Functionality

Essential information for getting started with PicOverlay

What image formats are supported?

We support all major image formats including JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, and TIFF. For optimal results, we recommend using PNG for overlays with transparency and high-resolution source images. The maximum file size per image is 10MB, which accommodates most professional photography and design needs.

Can I adjust the transparency of my overlay?

Yes, our opacity control allows precise adjustment from 0% to 100% in 1% increments. This fine-grained control enables everything from subtle watermarks to bold overlay effects. You can see changes in real-time as you adjust, making it easy to achieve the perfect transparency level for your project.

What export formats and quality options are available?

You can export your final images in PNG (preserves transparency), JPEG (optimized file size), or WebP (best compression) formats. PNG is ideal for graphics and images requiring transparency, JPEG works well for photographs, and WebP provides 25-35% smaller file sizes while maintaining quality. All formats support high-resolution output up to 8192x8192 pixels.

Technical Requirements

Technical details and privacy information

What are the minimum system requirements?

PicOverlay works in any modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) released within the last 2 years. No software installation is required. For optimal performance, we recommend a stable internet connection and at least 4GB of RAM. The tool works on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and mobile operating systems.

Is PicOverlay compatible with mobile devices?

Yes! PicOverlay is fully responsive and optimized for smartphones and tablets. The interface adapts to touch controls while maintaining all desktop features. You can create professional overlays on the go using your mobile device with the same precision and quality as desktop computers.

How fast is the image processing?

Our WebAssembly engine processes most images in under 100 milliseconds. This is 10-30x faster than traditional web-based image editors. Even complex operations with multiple adjustments export instantly. The speed advantage becomes especially noticeable when working with high-resolution images or creating multiple overlays.

Privacy & Security

Technical details and privacy information

Are my uploaded images stored on your servers?

Absolutely not. All image processing happens locally in your browser using advanced web technologies. Your images never leave your device - they're never uploaded, stored, or transmitted to our servers. This ensures complete privacy and security for your sensitive images and intellectual property.

What data do you collect about users?

We collect zero personal data. No email addresses, no usage analytics, no tracking cookies. The only data we see is anonymous aggregate usage statistics that help us improve performance. We believe your editing activities should remain completely private and confidential.

Is the connection secure?

Yes, all connections are encrypted using HTTPS with TLS 1.3, the same security standard used by banks and financial institutions. However, since all processing happens locally, your images are never transmitted over the network during editing, providing an additional layer of security.

Advanced Features

Advanced features and troubleshooting help

Can I use multiple overlays on the same image?

Currently, PicOverlay focuses on single overlay optimization for the best performance and user experience. However, you can achieve multi-overlay effects by processing images in sequence - export your first overlay composition, then use that result as the background for additional overlays. This workflow maintains our speed advantages while enabling complex compositions.

What blend modes are available?

We offer 15+ professional blend modes including Normal, Multiply, Screen, Overlay, Soft Light, Hard Light, Color Dodge, Color Burn, Darken, Lighten, Difference, Exclusion, Hue, Saturation, Color, and Luminosity. These modes enable creative effects from subtle enhancements to dramatic artistic compositions, matching the capabilities of professional desktop software.

How precise are the positioning and rotation controls?

Positioning offers pixel-perfect accuracy with arrow key nudging (1px per press, 10px with Ctrl). Rotation provides 0.1-degree precision across the full 360° range. Scaling supports both proportional and freeform modes from 10% to 500% with real-time preview. These professional-grade controls ensure exact placement for any creative vision.

Troubleshooting

Advanced features and troubleshooting help

Why does my overlay look pixelated when I scale it up?

This occurs when the overlay image resolution is lower than the scaling factor requires. For best results, start with high-resolution source images (at least 2000px on the longest side). If you need to scale significantly, consider using vector graphics for overlays or starting with higher resolution source images. Our algorithms preserve quality but cannot create detail that doesn't exist in the source.

The colors look different after overlay - how do I fix this?

Color variations can occur due to different color spaces (sRGB vs Adobe RGB) or monitor calibration. Ensure both images use the same color profile, and try different blend modes to achieve natural color blending. Our advanced color management system maintains accuracy, but source image quality and consistency are important factors.

My download isn't working - what should I do?

First, check your browser's download permissions and ensure pop-ups aren't blocked. Try right-clicking the download button and selecting 'Save link as'. If issues persist, try a different browser or clear your browser cache. Large files may take a moment to prepare - wait for the processing indicator to complete before attempting download.

Business Use

Business applications and support options

Can I use PicOverlay for commercial projects?

Yes, PicOverlay can be used for any commercial or business purpose without restrictions. Whether you're creating marketing materials, product photos, social media content, or client work, you're free to use our tool commercially. No attribution is required, and there are no licensing fees or usage limitations for business applications.

Are there any usage limits or restrictions?

There are no usage limits, daily caps, or restrictions of any kind. You can process unlimited images, create unlimited overlays, and download unlimited results. This applies to both personal and commercial use. We believe professional tools should be accessible without artificial limitations.

Do you offer API access or batch processing?

Batch processing is currently in development and will be available soon. For API access or enterprise solutions, please contact our support team. We're actively developing advanced features for power users and businesses while maintaining our commitment to free, accessible tools.

Support & Community

Business applications and support options

How can I get help if I encounter issues?

We provide multiple support channels: comprehensive documentation, video tutorials, email support (support@picoverlay.com), and community forums. Most users find answers in our detailed guides, but our support team responds to email inquiries within 24 hours for more complex issues.

Do you have tutorials or guides for beginners?

Yes! We offer step-by-step video tutorials, written guides, and interactive walkthroughs for users of all skill levels. From basic overlay creation to advanced techniques, our learning resources help you master professional image editing. All tutorials are free and accessible directly from the tool interface.

Can I request new features or improvements?

Absolutely! We actively listen to user feedback and regularly implement requested features. Submit suggestions through our feedback form or email us directly. Many of our most popular features started as user requests. We prioritize features that benefit the entire community while maintaining our core values of speed, privacy, and simplicity.

Still Have Questions?

Our support team is here to help. Contact us through any of these channels for personalized assistance.

Email Support

Get detailed help via email with 24-hour response time

Average response time: Email (24 hours) | Chat (5 minutes) | Forum (Community-driven)