Lesson 16 - Beveled & Filled Letters

 

 

This tutorial was written for a previous group it isn't hard but maybe somewhat complicated for newer users, so please just follow along step by step and if you get lost start all over again. 

 

Start by opening a new image (File + New or Ctrl N) 600 X 100 pixels, 16 million colors (24 bit)(RGB - 8bits/channel) and transparent background as shown below:

 

   This will give you an image like this:

 

  Next we need to click on the Alpha or Text Tool    and choose a Font of your choice, you do not have to use the same text as I do, but if you like I will send the font Yikes in a separate email.

We also need to resize our text to a larger size I used 65, just type in the number to change the size.  Make sure you have chosen Floating instead of Vector. 

 

Now on your Materials Palette (color wheel) Chose an outline color for the Foreground (top) Color and then double click on the Background Color (bottom) to bring up our choices.  At the top of the next window chose the Pattern tab.  As Below:

 

  You see here that I have chosen the bluestars background, you may chose any pattern you wish, then click ok. 

 

Now with the text tool click inside our new image and type any text in the text window and click ok.  Your image should look like this:

 

  Your marching ants or selection should be around each letter, and the inside of the letter should be filled with your chosen background.  At this point you can make a bevel (I used an inner bevel) or put a drop shadow under it or whatever you like.  See below:

 

  See here I have used both on mine.  OK next what if you don't want to use the pattern choices but have a different pattern to use. 

 

Lets take the same steps to open a new image.  Then we also want to open the pattern image you wish to use, so you have two images open in your workspace the new image and the pattern of choice.  Like this:

 

  It doesn't matter where on the workspace you have your images as long as they are open.  Now again go to your Materials Palette and choose a color for the Foreground (Outline) and open your Patterns Palette again and you will see that your new pattern is there to chose. like below:

 

  Here are the choices and your new pattern should be at the top of the list.  Chose that file and close.  Next using the text tool again type in your text and close your new image should now look similar to this:

 

  Here again you can apply your filters and then export as a gif to keep the transparency or as a .jpg to have the background filled.  Here is my finished product. 

 

 

This is the easiest way to fill text or any shape like rectangles, circles, stars, etc.

You can also use the flood fill to fill in the text but it doesn't give as uniform a look as this way does. 

 

Have Fun!

 

CatShoes Graphics©

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