Tutorial for How to Use Text Effects in Photoshop CS2

Create various text effects using Photoshop CS2.

Photoshop CS2 projects are primarily made up of images or graphics. However, the text in a project is just as important, since it relates the message to the viewer or reader. Visually interesting special effects can help the text complement the project's image content. Drawing the viewer's eye to the message itself is vital: focusing too much on the image can distract the viewer from the message in the text.

Instructions

1. Open Photoshop CS2. Select "File" from the menu, then choose "Open." In the dialog that appears, locate the file you want to add text to and open it.

2. Select the "Type" tool from the toolbar on the left side of the screen. Choose to use either the horizontal or vertical text tool.

3. Choose the font and color from the tool options under the main menu. Type that text on the canvas.

4. Create a curve by right-clicking on the text and choosing "Warp Text." In the dialog that appears, choose a warp from the "Presets." For example, choosing "Arch" will make the text form an arch. Adjust the exact amount of curve using the sliders in the dialog. Click "OK."

5. Go to the "Layer" palette on the lower-right corner of the screen and right-click on the text layer. Choose "Rasterize Type" from the options. Many of the filters and layer effects in Photoshop will not work on text unless this is enabled.

6. Click on the "FX" button below the "Layers" palette. Choose the effect you would like to apply to your text. This will open a dialog box in which you can adjust the effect. For example, if you choose "Bevel and Emboss," you can change the type of bevel as well as the strength of the effect.

7. Select "File" and click "Save." In the dialog that appears, name your file and save it.

References

• Photoshop Essentials: Text Warp
• Readactor: Working with Adobe Photoshop Text Effects and Blending Options