Suggested method to watermark images on a case-by-case basis? (Matrix+CE Image or Channel Image)

Question

I want to add watermarks to some images that I upload to an EE site.

I create images/illustrations and want to watermark those. It's helpful when the images come up in Google Image Search, both for branding, to make copying more difficult, and to come up with a good branding strategy for Pinterest usage of images.

However, I also use images for which watermarking is not suitable (CC attribution images, images from other sites that I use with permission).

Right now I use the Matrix file upload and do resizing using CE image and the image slug replacement method. I've theorized that I could add a switch in the Matrix field to watermark or not, and put CE image to work if the switch says yes.

However, I'm also thinking about re-architecting images using Channel Images instead. (call me crazy!)

1. For those of you who've worked with images using both CE Image and Channel Images, how would you conditionally apply watermarks using Channel Images?

2. Do you think I should stick to my current Matrix Image Replacement technique, or (once it's re-architected) would using Channel Images be easier to do in the long run?

3. Finally, is there some other method to accomplish watermarking on a case-by-case basis that I haven't mentioned here?

Answer 1

Personally I wouldn't look to switch to a different method unless you have a particular need to. If I were given the same scenario I would go with the same method that you use and combine Matrix and CE Image to apply watermarks on an ad-hoc basis. That combination sounds like it should both work well and do everything that you need it to do. If it aint broke, don't fix it! ;)

I think the only benefit you may get to using Channel Images is the ability to upload multiple files at once rather than one per row but unless you have a lot of images per entry and this is really becoming a burden then I honestly think the extra work in changing things and the time in doing so wouldn't be worth the extra benefit.