This tutorial is available as a PDF. Click here to view or download it
This tutorial will show you how to make glossy, "web 2.0 style" text.
Plugins needed:
Outline Object by @BoltBait or Outline Object by @pyrochild
Optional Plugins: Color Balance by @BoltBait or Color Balance+ by @dpy Drop Shadow by @KrisVDM HOW TO INSTALL PLUGINS
1. First, open () or create () a new image.
Create a New Layer () and write some text in whatever color you want. Name this layer "Text."
2. Duplicate this layer. Call the new one "Gradient Text".
With the "Text" layer selected, go to Adjustments>Brightness/Contrast () and darken the text some.
Alternatively, you can use ColorBalance to make the colors match better, and make the text look better in general. (I did; I added more blue)
Then, use a linear () transparency gradient (use the Gradient () tool in Transparency () mode) and drag from the bottom of your text up to the middle. Your image should look something like this:
3. Make a New Layer ().
Call this one "Glow."
Select the "Text" layer, and using the Magic Wand () in Global () mode, click on your text to get it selected. Set Primary color to white.
Switch back to the "Glow" layer, and using the Ellipse () tool in Draw Filled Shape () mode, draw a white highlight on the top of your text. Double click on this layer to open layer properties, then change the opacity to 45, or whatever you prefer. Deselect (CTRL+D) the selection area.
4. Uncheck the "Background" layer to temporarily make it invisible, so you can see how thick the outline will be.
Select the "Text" layer and go to Effects>Outline Object. Outline your text in white. I chose a width of 5 and transparency of 220.
5. Go to Effects>Object>Drop Shadow. Set Y offset and X offset to 0. Set shadow color to R=G=B=92. You can use whatever you want for the shadow size. I recommend a widening radius of 5, a blur radius of 5, and a shadow opacity of 150.
Merge () all layers and your image should look something like this:
Another example:
Please post any questions about this tutorial, results, and advice in this topic.
Edited by ReMake