With that out of the way, here is what we will be creating:
Procedures (starting with any background image):
1. Add a new layer named "base text" and add text of your choice. Make sure the text is at least size 48. As usual, the bigger it is, the better the results. You can always shrink it back down later. If you plan on using a texture on the text, Pick a color similar to the texture color and wait till the end to add the texture.
Note: if the text has some extremely thin portions, duplicate the layer and merge the two again.
2. (Optional) Duplicate the text layer (name the new layer "bg glow") and Gaussian blur at 40-70 pixels depending on the text size. This will make the shadow show up better on darker backgrounds. If your text is darker than the background, this step may be counter-productive.
3. Duplicate the text layer and name the new layer "shadow." Make sure this layer is on top (above "bg glow" if you did that step)
4. Go to Adjustments:Brightness/Contrast and set the brightness to -100 and contrast to -100. Repeat with contrast set to 100. You should now have a completely black version of your original text.
5. Gaussian blur the black text anywhere between 5-15 pixels, again depending on the size of your text.
6. Move the blurred text to the desired position, making sure at least half of it overlaps the base text.
7. Adjust the opacity of the shadow layer as desired. I would recommend a minimum of 100 and max at 220.
You have now completed the basic steps for some quick shaded text. The next few steps are some finishing touches to make the shading more believable. You will need to get the "True Blur" plugin for this part.
8. Duplicate the base text layer again and name the new layer "shading adjustment," then move it to the top (above "shadow").
9. Repeat Gaussian blur on the new layer, then run True Blur with "Tileable" checked. Repeat True Blur.
10. Lower the opacity of the layer. I liked mine at 40, but play around with it to get the best results.
Done! Share your results!
