How to Make Shiny Text in Photoshop (The Easy Way)

This may be the most simplistic way to make shiny text in Photoshop. These steps were created in Photoshop CS2. However, it should be very easy to duplicate these steps in other versions of Photoshop...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Photoshop

1. 
    
   New Doc

   Open up Photoshop and create a New Document (Ctrl+N), doesn't matter what size. In general it's always good to use a transparent background when working on a graphic, so you have options later. Also, if you're designing for the web the standard is to use resolution of 72 and 300 for print. But, we're just practicing right, moving on...

2. 
    
   Add Some Text

   Select the Text Tool and add some text.

3. 
    
   Rasterize The Text

   Right-click on the layer in the Layers panel and select Rasterize Type.

4. 
    
   Add The Shine

   Select the Rectangular Marquee Tool and run it across the top half of the text. Now go to Image > Adjustments > Brightness/Contrast and for Brightness add about +20 to +30 and click OK.

5. 
    
   Finalize

   Now, there are other little things like adding an Outer Glow and Stroking the text to enhance the shininess a little more. You could also try Gradients and other little Shadowing and Texture tricks.
   
   Good Luck!
   
   Leave me Feedback and help me improve this How-to
   
   Thanks, GladToHelp

Tips & Warnings

• Keep going, keep playing around with different settings, you'll get it.
• If at all you have any trouble or questions about this how-to or find any errors, please comment and I'll work to update and resolve the article so it's more thorough and understandable

[rewrite810]

on 1/23/2009 Very cool tip, thanks! 5*

[showpup]

on 1/23/2009 Nice and quick way to shiny text. Thanks for sharing. I've used photoshop for many years but never really taken the time to dive into doing fun effects. Maybe it's time I start... :) 5 stars

[bossypants]

on 1/15/2009 Good step by step instructions and helpful tips for making shiny text, easily, in Photoshop. I am just learning Photoshop, and this is a great reference for me! Thanks!

[A1handyman]

on 1/14/2009 Well done. Nice simple technique. Thanks for the post.

[PABechko]

on 1/12/2009 Hmmm, I'm going to see if there are appropriate buttons in photoshop elements for this. Thanks for the starting point.