How to make a see-through to image text effect in Photoshop

This is a really simple trick to creating an ordinary photograph with some text into an engaging image. I also have a GIMP version!

See-Through Text Effect in Photoshop

Ok Let’s get started!

1. Starting

• Open your chosen image in Photoshop
• Now, add a New Layer – Fill with a colour that matches:
• I used a Dark Blue: 1a2932

Starting-Photograph and Colour (Click to view larger)

2. Adding Text

• Grab the Text Tool – make a text box, same size as image
• Type your ‘text’ in capitals
• Settings: Font: Gill Sans Ultra Bold, Size: 720px, Justify: Right, Spacing: 600, -100, (Dependent on image size, mine is: 4592×3506 pixels)
• Space out your text best as possible, as shown:
• Click the image to check settings:

Adding Text (Click to view larger)

3. Selecting

• Now on Text layer, go Right Click –> Rasterize Layer
• Then, go Select –> Color Range…
• Click on text, with 0 Fuzziness:

Selecting Text (Click to view larger)

3.b. Add Vector Mask (UPDATE)

• Select your Text Layer while holding Ctrl/Cmd:
• Then select your Image Layer (make sure it is unlocked – double click), and Add Vector Mask:
• Uncheck the Text Layer and make sure you have the same layer arrangement as below:

Add Vector Mask

3.c. Create Clipping Mask (Update-thanks to Kevin)

• Have your layers arranged in the order below: Photo, Test, Background Colour
• Then simply, select your Image Layer (make sure it is unlocked – double click), and ‘Right Click’ > Create Clipping Mask:
• Thanks Kevin for the detailed advice!

Create Clipping Mask on Photo

4. Deleting Text

• Now, delete Text
• Then on Colour layer: Press delete again (same selection)
• You should now have a see-through text outline and the photograph below!

Deleting Text (Click to view larger)

That’s it!
Download the PSD!
If you get stuck anywhere just comment below!
If you’d like to use these photographs please Contact Me!
All images on this site are copyrighted© – All Rights Reserved.

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Posted by Keyla Eff, Published at 6:03 AM and have 0 comment