Edit 3D Text With Photoshop – Tutorial

Want to create an original file for printing? Think 3D text? 3D text is... Here's a very simple tutorial with methods for creating 3D text using Photoshop CS5 and CS6.

Method 1: 3D Text with Photoshop CS5

1. Step 1:: Start by firing up Photoshop
2. Step 2:: Then open a new document of 2000 × 1000 pixels, with a resolution of 300 dpi and in RGB mode (in CMYK, 3D does not work).
3. Step 3:: Double click on your layer to open the layer style window, select «Gradient Overlay» and apply the options in the image below.

4. Step 4:: Then write the text to which you want to apply the 3D effect.
   If you want to have a different perspective per letter, you must write the characters separately on different text layers.

5. Step 5:: Then go to «3D > Repositioned > Text Layer» to apply 3D. This action will pixelate your text, you will no longer be able to change it.
   A new window will open where you can manage all the 3D parameters of your text. Apply the options from the image below.

6. Step 6:: You can move your text with your mouse in 3D space according to the perspective you want.
7. Step 7:: Once this is done, you will apply a series of effects that will aim to give texture and better integration to your 3D element.
   Double-click on your 3D layer to open the layer style window.

NOTE : Just a personal tip, but for those who want to add a bit more contrast to their image, create a new layer with a black background, then change it to " Overlay " mode with 75% opacity . This will revive the colors a bit. And for those who love Photoshop effects, you can apply a halo to your black layer for a touch of elegance.

8. Step 8:: To do this, go to «Filter > Render > Halo«.

9. Step 9:: A little tip, because the basic idea is still to create a visual intended for printing. To do this, your document must be in CMYK mode (which is not the case).
10. Step 10:: At the end, when you no longer need to edit your document, go to «Image > Mode > CMYK«, then merge all your layers.

If you don't match them, your colors may change due to the change in color mode.

2 method: 3D text  with  Photoshop CS5 and CS6

This part of the tutorial is only compatible with versions CS6 and later. We continue our personal exploration of CS6 and a great novelty in the 3D palette of this new version is the possibility of modifying a text once it has been transformed into a 3D layer. In fact, if with CS5, the text was rasterized after the conversion, with CS6 the text remains editable text.

With Photoshop cs5:

With Photoshop CS5, once text is converted into a 3D layer using the 3D Repoussé function , it is impossible to return to it to edit it or change your font.

1. Step 1:: Small test, here is some text that has been converted. In the 3D palette, there is no way to return the object as text.

2. Step 2:: You can always view the reference layer by double-clicking on your layer and modifying the content by deleting the initial text and writing another one, this will not impact said text.

3. Step 3:: Adding a new text layer and deleting the old one… And converting the text layer to a pixel layer.

4. Step 4:: The text has not changed, only its texture. Because in fact the text can no longer be edited, you can simply change the texture of its face. The edited layer is a texture layer, not an editable source layer.

With Photoshop cs6:

While with the new version of CS6, once the text is converted into a 3D repelled object, it is quite possible in the palette to modify its content, font and color.

1. Step 1:: Therefore, you need to start by entering some text and converting it into a 3D relief object using the 3D function in the Properties bar of the Text tool.
2. Step 2:: Then, you need to click on the Text object (here ADVANCED) in the 3D palette to display its Properties.

3. Step 3:: In the Properties palette, you can define the type of extrusion but also change the color of your text and font.

4. Step 4:: Change the color by clicking on the parameter and the font by displaying the character palette.

5. Step 5:: And you can also edit the text by clicking on Edit source.

6. Step 6:: This opens the door for you Text layer and you can edit it. And this is where the novelty lies: the text converted into a 3D repelled object was not rasterized but remained an editable text layer.

7. Step 7:: All you have to do is close the reference layer, accept the changes and your 3D text has been edited.

Method 3: Insert 3D text with Photoshop into a landscape

This tutorial was written using Photoshop CS6 . We suggest you manipulate text to integrate it into a landscape. This base will allow you to compose around the text to express whatever you want. You can use the same image from this example, but if you choose a different one, be careful that the light source is not coming from the background of the image, in which case it will be quite difficult to direct the light onto the text later.

1. Step 1:: Start by opening the proposed image (or the one of your choice) and add a Adjustment Layer / Brightness and Contrast(optional if you choose another image).
2. Step 2:: In the Text tool, write your text with the color of your choice and choose a large enough font.
3. Step 3:: I chose the word NATURE because we will orient the composition in the opposition desert / lush nature and the color #e7e5da taken from the background of my image.

4. Step 4:: Click on the 3D icon on the Properties bar of the tool and using the 3D tools, orient the text to place it on the ground of your landscape.
5. Step 5:: Use the grid to align your text background with the image background (left screenshot).
6. Step 6:: Now click on the small light bulb in the document to direct the light onto your text.

NOTE : Be careful not to contradict the supporting image. The shadow of your text on the ground should match the shadows cast by the elements in your original image (right screenshot).

7. Step 7:: Double click on the Text object in the 3D palette to access its Properties. Choose the Shape of the extrusion ( Preset Shape ) and its size ( Extrusion Depth ).

8. Step 8:: In the Tab Cover, defines the type of Bevel Contour.
9. Step 9:: Start rendering and wait for it to complete. It has the progress bar as well as There remaining in the status bar of the document window. You have to wait a bit for the time to calm down, it is quite capricious.

10. Step 10:: you have an Adjustments layer, place the text on top and rasterize it through the menu Layer / Rasterization / 3D.

Step by step of the final composition to Insert 3D text with Photoshop in a landscape:

Now, we briefly present the stages of the final composition. The images used are mostly from galleries downloaded from the internet, there are quite a few of them, so I won't list them all.

1. Step 1:: Place elements of nature on and around the text (don't look for proportions between elements, there are none here).

2. Step 2:: Then, work on the projected and captured shadows. On the other hand, for this stage, it is better to be in harmony with the landscape.

NOTE : The process involves adding layers on which captured shadows (shadows received by the object) and cast shadows (shadows cast by the object) are painted. Adjustment layers (Brightness and Contrast) may also be necessary.

Camera Raw finish for Inserting 3D Text with Photoshop into a Landscape:

To finish in Camera Raw, you need to save your composition as a JPG and open it in Camera Raw and then make your adjustments.

Therefore, this is the completion in all subjectivity.

Method 4: 3D Photoshop text embedded in the ground

This photo manipulation was created to place plain text on a floor. The text must have the same texture as the floor. This tutorial was written using CS6 ; you will need to adapt the entire 3D section for CS5 if you are using that version. Proficiency with 3D tools in CS5 is required.

3D Photoshop text placed on the ground:

1. Step 1:: Open your landscape image (Background) and with the Text tool, write whatever you want.
2. Step 2:: For the color, you should use a neutral gray tone, just between black and white, normally # 7f7f7f.
3. Step 3:: Click on the icon 3Dto convert your text to 3D with the function of 3D relief.

4. Step 4:: In the 3D palette, double click on the text (AG) to set its extrusion, bevel, and coordinate properties.
5. Step 5:: In the tab coordinates, enter the value 90 °for Xs. This will drop the text to the ground.

6. Step 6:: In the tab 3D (Filet), choose the bevel type (Shape Preset) and its extrusion (Detph extrusion). You must check the captured and cast shadows.
7. Step 7:: In the tab Lid, defines the type of contour of your bevel.

8. Step 8:: In your document, orient your text relative to your background, then click the light icon (light bulb in a white circle) to direct the light.
9. Step 9:: If you choose the linked background, the light comes from the front, so you need to orient the light source for the 3D text so that it illuminates the text in the same way, so the shadow of the text should be in front of the decoration.
10. Step 10:: 3D / Magnetism of the object on the ground plane to place the text on the ground.

NOTE : Important for managing drop shadows. Once you're happy with your text, start rendering.

Integration into decoration for 3D text with Photoshop:

1. Step 1:: If the text is too dark, feel free to trim the layers. Settings / Brightness / Contrast and Levels.

2. Step 2: Duplicate the background twice, place it on top of the stack (layers) and clip both layers to the text layer.
3. Step 3:: To clip a layer to the one below it, simply press Alt + click between the two layers in the layers palette.
4. Step 4:: Place the first layer on Overlay and the second in Soft Light.
   Depending on your background, you may only need one copy.

5. Step 5:: Add a layer of Settings / Curves to darken the atmosphere a bit. Of course, this will still depend on the background you've chosen.

6. Step 6: Open the image of the crow (or Raven) and crop it. Then, drag it into your document on one of the letters of your text. Adjust its size through Command/Ctrl + T.
7. Step 7: Since the raven isn't really in the right shade, add a layer of Settings / Hue & Saturation
8. Step 8:: Click Reset and find the correct hue, saturation and lightness according to the background. Remember to clip this layer.
9. Step 9:: Duplicate the raven layer and Image / Settings / Threshold. Make it turn into a black silhouette.

10. Step 10:: Use Edit / Transformation / Vertical Axis Symmetry, then Tour to drop the shadow on the text.

You might also be interested in reading about: How to Create Text with a Fire Effect in Photoshop

11. Step 11:: With the Draft, remove all the shadow that is not on the surface of the letter except for the head that protrudes from it. Select this part to place it on the ground in a more logical way.

12. Step 12: Open the image with the feathers (downloadable at the beginning of the tutorial).
13. Step 13:: To make them black, you must first desaturate the image using Shift + Cmd / Ctrl + Tand then invert the colors through Command/Ctrl + I.
14. Step 14: Drag the feathers into the document, adjust the size and Place the layer in Product. Duplicate this layer, reduce the size and add a Filter / Attenuation / Gaussian blur of approximately 1 px, to provide depth of field to the composition.

You can also read about: How to Create a Poster with Photoshop

15. Step 15: You can leave it as is, but if you want to finish in CameraRaw, save your composition as jpg y open it en CameraRaw .
16. Step 16:: Keep track of captures or create your own settings. This is all just subjective, each to their own.

In other words, the Camera Raw module here is in version 7 with Photoshop CS6 and the exposure settings have been modified.

Conclusion

As you can see, these are the most efficient ways to create, insert and embed 3D text with Photoshop CS5 and CS6. We recommend that you use the one that best suits your artistic needs and practice until it becomes natural. We hope that this information has helped you.