Wide's World

Upgrading Can Payoff

by

Widearea

Porno-Graphix

In a galaxy far far away...

One thing I can't stand is when a software upgrade comes out, especially when they make you pay for it. That's why I try not to, often to my own detriment. Sure, the newer version usually has more features, makes all your processes easier, and may even be worth shelling out the dough to make your life run smoother. On the other hand, major upgrades can mean major headaches. I mean, you've got to like to learn all the new shit, and for a guy like me that's a real pain. But I recently had the privilege of using some version of Photoshop - 6.0 or some such, and I found that they make it real easy to perform some of the basic text effects we at Wide's World have been busting our asses to do by using more painstaking methods. This week we'll revisit the old effects using the new and improved, easy-to-do, push-of-a-button action.

It's only a conspiracy...
Software makers rely on our stupidity to sell us those meaningless updates, but here's a feature I kind of dig. Making basic text effects was never easier.
1. Select File -> New and crack open a new document with which to work.
2. In the toolbar, select the Type Tool. Choose a typeface, size and styles from the Type Styles Palette (simply type "T" on your keyboard to hide/show it).
3. Now, click with the Type Tool in your document window, and type in your messaging.
4. When the type element appears in the Layers Palette window, just double-click on the type layer to bring up the Layer Styles window.

You will see a series of effects on the left side of the window, with check boxes to activate them. For this one, just select the "Bevel and Emboss" option. The default settings should be enough to give the text a beveled effect in one click. But we can make adjustments to the bevel itself.
5. Click on the "Bevel and Emboss" tab on the left side, which targets the effect's options in the window to the right.

6. Adjust any series of settings to achieve different types of bevel settings with the various shading and structures options.
7. Select OK/ENTER in the Layer Styles window and save your work.

1. These layers are editable as long as they are unmerged with other layers... Let's try a different one.
2. Double-click the type layer again to bring up the Layer Styles window.
3. Now, click to check on the "Outer Glow" checkbox and uncheck the "Bevel and Emboss".
4. Click to select the "Outer Glow" tab on the left side, which targets the effect's options in the window to the right.

You can play with the structure, elements and quality of the effect by playing with the settings to achieve the desired effect.

Select OK/ENTER to apply the effect.

5. Again, save your work.

1. You can also apply multiple effects by checking on multiple styles checkboxes.
2. Double-click the type layer again to bring up the Layer Styles window.
3. Now, click to uncheck the "Outer Glow" checkbox.
4. Check the "Bevel and Emboss" checkbox.
5. Check the "Dropshadow" checkbox.

You can play with the structure, elements and quality of each effect by playing with the settings as above.

6. Save your work.

Well, we hope you enjoyed your excursion to Wide's World this week. Keep in mind that these cool effects can be applied to any layer - not just type - so you can make a whole lot of cool shit happen. Enjoy the range of possibilities, and until next time, Happy Webmastering!

Reference/Useful Links

Kazaa Share files with other web buddies.