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3D typographic effects in Photoshop

Wednesday 18 Jul 2007

Photoshop is an astounding post-production tool – and here Nik Ainley of Shiny Binary shows you how to add the wow factor to 3D text using Photoshop’s art tools.



Taking 3D objects into Photoshop is going to get more popular thanks to the latest release of Photoshop Extended. But you don’t need Adobe’s latest high-end version of Photoshop to create some unique 3D effects – this masterclass works for Photoshop CS and above.

In it, type-effects guru Nik Ainley shows how to create the above image. The key is to create the letters in a 3D package first as individual characters, then bring them into Photoshop for further post work.

Through clever use of Photoshop’s masking tools and layers, Nik has created type with characters that weave in and out of each other. The characters’ faces also provide a handy canvas for further effects, such as patterns, gradients and lines.


01. Start by producing each letter separately in a 3D program, which Nik did here in Xara 3D, and import them into a Photoshop document. Keep each letter in its own layer, and then arrange them around each other, in whatever way looks good to you.

It might seem odd to create 3D text in this way, but Photoshop offers a lot more control than a 3D program and you will be able to produce a larger than life effect. To save time, the PSD file with the 3D text is included on this issue’s CD.

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Tips

1. If you are using Warp Transform on text created in Photoshop, the result is rasterized and can develop a case of the pixelated uglies. To get round this, select Layer > Type > Convert To Shape with your text selected, then apply the transform to the new shape. The result is a much cleaner face that is essential for type presentation.

2. Applying a filter such as Plastic Wrap as in step 12 will change the look of the base layer completely. In case you change your mind, always take a copy of the layer before applying the final filter effect to it, so you can revert and make changes if you need to later.


WHO: Nik Ainley is a UK based designer who has a passion for producing personal art and illustrations. His work has featured in magazines, books, as album art, and posters.
CONTACT: www.shinybinary.com
SOFTWARE: Photoshop
TIME TO COMPLETE: Two hours
DOWNLOAD FILES: All files for this tutorial can be downloaded here.