How to Write Graffiti in Photoshop

Make your own graffiti with Photoshop.

Whether you're trying to add some "street cred" to a photograph or creating your own tagging design, the graphics package Photoshop from Adobe can help you write graffiti letters and designs. With just a few quick clicks, you can make bright, bold words or custom-splattered artwork using Photoshop's tools, filters and color palettes.

Things You'll Need

• Adobe Photoshop

Instructions

1. Open Photoshop, click "File" and then select "New." Name the image "MyGraffiti" and set the width and height to your preferred size. A full page is 8.5 inches by 11 inches; an avatar may be smaller, such as 2 inches by 2 inches. Set the "Mode" to "RGB Color" and the "Contents" to "White," and then click the "OK" button.

2. Click the "New Layer" icon, which looks like a flipping Post-it note, in the "Layers" palette on the right side of your screen. A new Layer 1 appears; right-click it and click "Layer Properties," andthen rename the layer "Graffiti1."

3. Click the "Pencil" tool on the "Tools" palette on the left side of the screen. If you don't see the pencil, right-click the "Paintbrush" tool and select "Pencil Tool." These two share the same space and remain in place until you change to the other. Notice the new toolbar at the top of the screen.

4. Pull down the "Brush" menu and select one of the splatter brushes. Although the icon is a pencil, your artwork will actually resemble graffiti spray paint.

5. Double-click the top left box in the "Color Picker," which is the two overlapping squares in the "Tools" palette. Select a writing color and then click "OK."

6. Click your cursor within the "MyGraffiti" box, then drag your mouse to write your name or phrase.

7. Add another layer to the "Layers" palette and name it "Graffiti2." Choose another color from the "Color Picker" and a different size brush from the "Brush" palette. Note the differences; smaller brushes will leave thinner, more visible lines in the paint. Add another graffiti name, word or design. Repeat until you are satisfied with your design.

8. Click the right-pointing arrow in a circle at the top of the "Layers" palette. Choose "Flatten Image." Save your image to your computer by clicking "File," then "Save As" and assigning it a place on your desktop or folder.

Tips & Warnings

• To add graffiti writing to a picture you've already taken, just open the photo by clicking "File" and then "Open," and browsing to where the image is on your computer. Double-click it to open it on your workspace and then use Photoshop's tools to add graffiti right onto the photo.

• Don't panic if you misspelled a word or don't like how the graffiti looks. Photoshop lets you go back in time by clicking "Edit" and then choosing "Undo" or "Step Backwards." This erases the last action you committed on the screen; you can repeat this process to go as far back as required.

References

• University of Washington: What is Photoshop?