WordPress Free plugin “Image Theft Guard” that automatically adds a watermark to images uploaded to the WordPress media library. The plugin is designed for non-coders, with a simple settings page to configure the watermark text and easy activation. It will use PHP’s GD library to apply a text-based watermark to images, ensuring compatibility and security. The plugin is lightweight and includes an admin page for configuration and instructions.

Free plugin for Image Theft Guard

Installation and Setup Instructions

1. Download the Plugin:
2. Upload to WordPress:
   • Zip the wp-image-theft-guard folder.
   • In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin.
   • Upload the zipped folder and click Install Now.
3. Activate the Plugin:
   • After installation, click Activate Plugin.
4. Configure Watermark Settings:
   • In the WordPress admin dashboard, go to the new menu item called Image Watermark.
   • Set the Watermark Text (e.g., your site name or “© 2025”).
   • Choose the Watermark Position (Bottom Right, Center, or Top Left).
   • Click Save Changes.
   • Default settings use your site name and Bottom Right position if not configured.
5. Upload Images:
   • Upload images via the Media Library or page/post editor.
   • The plugin automatically applies the watermark to all JPEG and PNG images (including thumbnails and other sizes).

Features

• Automatic Watermarking: Adds a text watermark to JPEG and PNG images on upload.
• Customizable: Configure watermark text and position via a settings page.
• All Image Sizes: Watermarks full-size images and all WordPress-generated sizes (e.g., thumbnail, medium).
• Simple Interface: Easy-to-use settings page for non-coders.
• Admin Instructions: Includes guidance on the settings page.
• Single File: Core functionality is contained in one PHP file.
• Secure: Uses WordPress best practices for data sanitization and file handling.

How It Works

• On plugin activation, it prepares to use a fallback font (assumes Arial or server default).
• A settings page allows you to set the watermark text and position.
• When an image is uploaded, the plugin uses PHP’s GD library to:
  • Load the image (JPEG or PNG).
  • Apply a semi-transparent white watermark with a black shadow.
  • Position the watermark based on your settings.
  • Save the watermarked image for all sizes.
• The watermark is permanent on the uploaded images.

Notes

• Requirements: Requires the GD library (standard on most WordPress hosting).
• Font Limitation: The plugin assumes a default system font (Arial). For custom fonts, you’d need to include a .ttf file in the plugin directory and update the code to reference it. Let me know if you need help with this!
• Supported Formats: Works with JPEG and PNG images only.
• Permanent Watermarks: Watermarks are applied permanently. To change the watermark, re-upload images after updating settings.
• Compatibility: Works with WordPress 5.0 and above.
• Performance: Minimal impact, as watermarking occurs only during upload.

Optional: Adding a Custom Font

• To use a custom font, download a .ttf file (e.g., from Google Fonts).
• Place it in the wp-image-theft-guard folder.
• Update the $font path in the code to plugin_dir_path(__FILE__) . ‘your-font.ttf’.
• I can provide a modified version with a specific font if needed.

This plugin is ready to use and provides a simple way to protect images with watermarks. Let me know if you need additional features (e.g., opacity settings, image-based watermarks, or excluding specific images) or help with setup!