Tutorial for Recessed Text in GIMP

Recessed text in graphic design gives the illusion of three dimensional type.

Adding text effects to graphic designs is a vital part of creating eye catching work. Where some graphics programs offer a simple button for a drop shadow, Gimp affords a wide range of text and layer tools to manipulate your image. With a little practice, you'll find that the extra steps involved to create recessed text in Gimp will allow flexibility and creativity for you later.

Instructions

1. Create a copy of your text by right clicking your text layer in the layer dialogue box and select "Duplicate Layer." The duplicate layer will become your recessed text layer; give it a name to help you distinguish it. Rename the layer by right clicking it in the layer dialogue box and selecting "Edit Layer Attributes." Then make sure the layers are ordered appropriately. In the Layers dialogue box, click and drag your primary text layer on top of the duplicate layer so the recessed text will show as it should in your design. Remember, the order of the layers in this dialogue box will be reflected in your design.

2. Change the color of your text or the duplicate, recessed layer to add a contrast which will enhance the text. When you click on your text, the text editor window will pop up. Don't change your text. In the tool box, you'll see where you can change attributes of your text such as font, size, justification, etc. Here, click in the color selection box and find a suitable color for your design, one which contrasts nicely with your top layer, primary, text.

3. Select your recessed layer of text and go to the Filters menu. Choose "Blur" then "Gaussian Blur" in that dialogue box, experiment with the level of blur desirable. Start with 10 pixels and see how that suits you. Once you have found the blur you need, keep the recessed layer selected and use the move tool to manipulate the layer to find an appropriate angle for your shadow text, relative to the principal text.

Tips & Warnings

• There are many ways to accomplish the same ends in Gimp. You might also click "Filters," then "Light and Shadow," then "Drop Shadow" as a way to create recessed text. This method will allow less ability to manipulate your recessed text, but can serve useful in simple designs.

References

• Gimp Courses: Lesson 8: Text Effects
• YouTube: Tutorial 2: Basic Text Effects in The Gimp

Resources

• Graphics Muse: The Artist’s Guide to GIMP Effects: Shadow Maps