Photoshop > Text Effects

Layer effects are very powerful and are used for a vast array of different Photoshop techniques. 'Bevel and emboss' is often considered to be the effect of choice for professional graphic designers, but it also has a tendency to create very harsh contrasts in unskilled hands. The aim of this tutorial is to detail a method for creating smooth cartoon-like bevels for text and interfaces using only layer effects.

Learn how to create artificial 3D effects.

As the saying goes, the beauty is in the detail. Even the most stunning interface can look out of place and unrealistic if its too perfect for its own good. Add a little damage to your interfaces and artwork with this simple technique...

Artificial metal effects are, without a doubt, extremely popular amongst all Photoshop users. Its not hard to work out why, of course, because the spectacular results often speak for themselves.

Creating photorealistic scenes is one of the hardest tasks of the apprentice designer, try it on!

Set your work ablaze with this excellent tutorial on artificial flame effects.

The infamous plastic effect with a twist. Learn how to recreate it using only layer effects, and understand the theory behind the effect. Very handy for interfaces & text!

Learn how to use a water texture for all your photoshop creations.

This tutorial demonstrates a really cool effect you can use to make your text seem to melt into or "pop out of" your website's background.

This tutorial will show you how to make chrome effects that are as smooth as Craig David. There are a variety of different methods for making chrome. Here, we will make use of some new effects added in Photoshop 6 as well as a background image used as a relection map.

Here is a simple technique that will allow you to create neon glowing text that resembles those ever-popular window fixtures. This effect is made purely with Photoshop's Blending Options (a.k.a. Layer Effects in PS 5), so it can be saved as a Layer Style if you wish to save it for quick and easy future use.

One very simple way to spice up your graphics by adding outlines. There are some even easier ways to make outlines in Photoshop than the way shown in this tutorial, but I'm going to show you the old way to do it, which is probably the most flexible.

Create some rough, spattered text.

Learn how to make text out of various stones.

Enhance your imagery with a froody grid.