Filters

Filters
Q1:

How do I fill type with a texture? I have a Type layer and I'd like it to look textured. Can I add a texture without losing the option of editing my text?

A1:

One option is to add a layer stylePattern Overlay. From the Layer menu, select Layer Style>Pattern Overlay. You can use existing patterns or create your own. This method works well because it is a layer style that can easily be changed. Another option is to click on the Create a New Layer icon to add a new layer above the Type layer and fill it with whatever texture you want (try going to the Swatches or Styles palettes in the Window menu). Then use Layer>Create Clipping Mask to create a layer clipping mask that will make the texture visible only in the letters. This method has several advantages: You can still edit the type, the texture can be moved around in the letters , and the texture is not restricted to being a repeating pattern (you can add some filters, etc.).

Q2:

Why can't I blur my Type layer?

A2:

You cannot have any kind of filter or paint applied to a Type layer while it's a Type layer. To give yourself increased flexibility, duplicate the Type layer (Command-J [PC: Control-J]). Then, in the Layer menu select Rasterize>Type. Now that the layer has been rasterized (turned into pixels), you should be able to run your blur filter. (You do not have to duplicate the Type layer first, but once a Type layer is rasterized, there's no going back to edit the type.) Note : If you still can't blur the text, check to see if Lock Transparent Pixels is selected in the Layers palette.

Q3:

Why can't I paint on (apply a filter to) my type?

A3:

By nature, Type layers are locked so that you cannot use painting tools or filters. To get around this you must:

  1. Rasterize the Type layer (or better still, make a copy and then rasterize it [see previous question]).

  2. Click on the Create a New Layer icon to add a separate layer immediately above the Type layer on which you paint (filter) and then go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask. By painting in the mask, it will create the appearance of the type being painted , but offers the advantage of keeping an editable Type layer.



Photoshop CS2 Help Desk Book
The Photoshop CS2 Help Desk Book
ISBN: 0321337042
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 225
Authors: Dave Cross

flylib.com © 2008-2017.
If you may any questions please contact us: flylib@qtcs.net