Creating Text with a Text Selection

We've probably all created text in the normal way by choosing a color and then creating our text. A different way to create text is to use a selection with a texture or color underneath of it.

The below texture is what we are going to use to create our text. We could have created the texture and then just applied it to the text but it doesn't give us the same type of effect.

Create a blank image about 500 x 150 and fill it with a texture.

Choose the text tool and type in some text. It doesn't matter what color styles are chosen as they will not be applied once you click the ok button. Make sure Selection is checked at the bottom of the dialog.

Once you click ok, you'll see a marquee of your text and the underlying texture.

Go to Effects>3D Effects>Outer Bevel. See my settings below.

You're marquee is still there ready for you to add more effects or you can leave it as it is.

I think it needs something so go to Effects>Cutout and apply the setting below. Make sure Fill interior with color is checked and choose a fill color by clicking on the color box.

It's looking better but I think we need more.

Go to Effects>3D Effects>Inner Bevel and apply the settings below.

Now it's getting there. I think we need one more thing to make the solid color stand out a little more.

Go to Effects>3D Effects>Drop Shadow and apply a white shadow with the settings below.

We now have, in just a couple of minutes some really cool text that looks like it is inset in the background.

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