Adobe Photoshop/3D Text in Layer Styles

Advertisement

Expert: Scott Valentine - 8/17/2008


Question

test.jpg
Hi Scott

A few weeks ago, you had advised me about ways to produce 3D text in a short time period. You had said "I think you'll find that the plugin route for your needs may actually slow you down." Well, you were certainly right.The CS3 layer styles
are excellent for producing 3D effects - once you know what to do.

I'm experimenting now. I wonder if you could tell me what could be done to improve the 3D text in the attached test image?

Best Wishes
Frank

Answer
Glad to hear you're getting positive results, Frank! For the example image you posted, I think you might have better results with a harder edge on the bevel. Right now, the text is very soft making some of the thinner parts of the text look a little lost.

The 'Softness' slider is where you'll find the control for this.

However, it really depends on your intended use. As it stands, the text looks pretty good, so the above suggestion is just opinion. If you are considering using the effect for mobile devices, you should take advantage of Device Central in CS3. It will help you preview the effects on simulated mobile devices. Keep in mind that mobiles typically have less resolution and fewer colors than your monitor, so some subtle effects may be lost or ignored. Harder edges on small devices read more easily, due to aliasing issues (google that - you'll get lots of examples in information that would take too long to explain here). Text especially should be handled with care in this case.

Other than that, I think you've got a good, clean look.

If you'd like more involved feedback, find me on http://photoshoptechniques.com/forum under the name 'lokki'. You can post your work there and get critiques from many professionals.

I hope that helps!

-Scott

Scott Valentine

Expertise

Author, "Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4 (Peachpit)". Beginning to expert questions for Photoshop CS5 Extended, including 3D capabilities. I am also an expert here for Digital Photography. Please - NO questions on Lightroom, Elements, Express or versions earlier than CS4. These questions will be discarded.

Experience

Author, "Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4" (available from Peachpit.com in January, 2009). I have been a professional level user since 1999, and have used Photoshop for photography, fine art, graphic design, web design, and technical image analysis. I have also conducted classes at the college level in both artistic and technical uses. I am currently an Adobe User Group manager.

Organizations
National Association of Photoshop Professionals, Los Alamos Multimedia Users Group.

Publications
CommunityMX.com, Real World Compositing with Photoshop CS4 (Adobe Press).

Education/Credentials
Bachelor's degree, Physics

Awards and Honors
Several awards for digital photography.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.