A slideshow carousel lives or dies on the text on slide one. add_text_overlay is the tool that puts it there: it stamps captions, titles or quotes onto the images in an existing slideshow, and it takes either ONE overlay (auto-expanded to every image, same text and style) or N overlays matching the image count for a different line per slide.
This is the slideshow counterpart to the video text tools, and it's a different job from create_slideshow_caption_in_image — that one has an AI image model render the typography INSIDE the picture, which looks cohesive but can't be edited afterward. This one stamps text on top of images that already exist, which is the right call when the words might change.
Powered by
Add text overlays (captions, titles, quotes) to slideshow images. Use after creating a slideshow when the user wants text on the images. You can send 1 overlay to apply the same text/style to ALL images, or N overlays (matching image count) for different text per slide. The system auto-expands a single overlay to all images.
What to tell the agent
Versely's agent maps this plain-English request directly onto add_text_overlay. You don't need to know the parameter names — just describe what you want.
“Show me my last slideshow, then put a different hook line on each slide — big bold white text at the top.”
How it works
1. Pull the slideshow up first
get_slideshow is what makes the slideshow card with thumbnails actually appear, and it's the way to get the slideshow_id and per-slide image_ids if you're referring to 'the one I just made' rather than an id.
2. Decide: one line or one per slide
Send a single overlay to apply the same text and style to every image — the system auto-expands it — or send N overlays matching the image count when each slide needs its own line.
3. Apply the overlays
add_text_overlay stamps them onto the slideshow's images and stores the overlaid versions alongside the originals.
4. Post it, or turn it into a reel
The overlaid set can go out as a carousel, or run convert_slideshow_to_video with use_edited_images so the video version carries the text rather than the bare originals.
What it costs
Stamping overlays onto existing slides is an edit pass over images you already generated, not a fresh set of generations — the image credits were spent when the slideshow was made. Ask the agent for estimate_cost if you're unsure how a specific slideshow will bill.
The formula behind that number: What does a batch of 100 AI product images cost? — charges one fixed price per call, so the image's size and shape are free.
Limits & things to know
- The overlay count has to be either 1 (auto-expanded to all slides) or exactly the number of images — a partial list isn't the interface.
- Don't chain this after create_slideshow_caption_in_image: that flow already bakes text into the picture, and stamping on top double-renders the copy.
- This applies text to a SLIDESHOW's images. For text on a video, use add-text-overlay-to-video (one fixed line) or add-timed-text-overlays-to-video (several timed lines).
- If you don't already have the slideshow_id, call get_slideshow first rather than working from memory of what was made earlier in the conversation.
Who uses this
- Instagram and TikTok carousels where slide one carries the hook
- Listicle slideshows with a numbered line per slide
- Quote-card sets for a brand account
- Adding a CTA to the final slide of a product carousel
Frequently asked questions
Can each slide have different text?+
Yes — pass N overlays matching the image count for per-slide text, or a single overlay if you want the same line and style stamped across every image.
How is this different from captions rendered inside the image?+
create_slideshow_caption_in_image has an AI image model draw the typography as part of the picture — cohesive, but baked in. add_text_overlay stamps text on top of existing slides, which is the one to use when the wording might change. Don't run both on the same slideshow.
Will the text carry over if I turn the slideshow into a video?+
Only if you ask for it — convert_slideshow_to_video has a use_edited_images option that picks the overlaid versions rather than the untouched originals.
Do I need the slideshow's ID?+
The tool needs one, but you don't have to know it — get_slideshow returns your most recent slideshow when no id is passed, along with the per-slide image_ids.
Related Versely tools
Related editing jobs
Add Text to Slideshow Images inside Versely
The all-in-one AI studio for creators. 60+ models for video, image, voice, music and lipsync in a single app.