3D Text

First create a new document. I created a 328x85px document and filled ( Edit > Fill ) the background with color Hex #4e4e4e.

Using the Horizontal Type Tool, write some text. The text I created uses the font "Ariel Black" at a size of 72pt and with a color of white ( Hex #ffffff ).

All this style of text needs in order for completion is a Layer Style. To create the layer style, open the Blending Options of the text layer. Do this by right clicking the layer on the Layer Palette and clicking on "Blending Options".

Over the next 5 steps, we will be adding 5 Blending Options: .

First we will add the Inner Shadow. Click on the image to the left and use the values shown in your own Layer Styles window.

We use the Inner Shadow to create the bottom edge of the tet. This makes the text look 3-dimensional by making the text look as if it is rotated slightly forward.

You cannot see the effects you apply until step 5 so do not worry.

Now add an Outer Glow. Click on the image to the right and use the values shown in your own Layer Styles window.

The Outer Glow is used in this case as a shadow.

Add a Inner Glow. Click on the image to the left and use the values shown in your own Layer Styles window.

We use the Inner Glow to make the text look nice and bright in the end.

Apply a Gradient Overlay. Click on the image to the right and use the values shown in your own Layer Styles window.

We add this Gradient Overlay as the color on the 3D text. We find making it a gradient from a color to it's complementary color looks nice.

Finally, add a Satin. Click on the image to the left and use the values shown in your own Layer Styles window.

The satin adds a nice texture/material to the text.

Now you want to save this Layer Style so you can use it later whenever you want. Without closing your Blending Options, click on the "New Style..." button. Name your style "3D Text" and Click "OK".

You should now be able to click on the style in the Styles Window ( Window > Styles ) to apply it to any layer you want. It works best on text layers but it will also work for anything else!