Place An Image In Text With Photoshop - Step by Step

Introduction

In this tutorial, we'll learn how to create one of Photoshop's most popular and classic effects: placing an image inside text. By using the powerful tool of clipping masks, this effect becomes straightforward and accessible. Follow along, whether you’re using Photoshop CC or any recent version, and let's get started.

Step 1: Open Your Image

1. First, open the image you want to place inside your text. For this tutorial, I'll be using an image downloaded from Adobe Stock.
2. In the Layers panel, you’ll see the image on the Background Layer.

Step 2: Duplicate the Image Layer

1. To create a copy of the background layer, navigate to the Layer menu at the top of the screen. Choose New and then Layer via Copy.
   • Alternatively, you can use the shortcut: Ctrl + J on Windows or Command + J on Mac.
2. After this step, your layers panel will now show the copied layer, named Layer 1, above the background layer.

Step 3: Create a Background Color

1. Next, fill your document with a solid color to serve as the background for your text effect.
2. Click on the New Fill or Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the layers panel and select Solid Color.
3. A color picker will appear; I’ll go with a white background by clicking in the upper left corner or setting RGB values to 255 each.
4. Now drag the Color Fill 1 layer below Layer 1 in the layers panel so the white background appears behind the image.

Step 4: Add Text

1. Select Layer 1 and choose the Type Tool from the toolbar.
2. Set your font options in the options bar. For this example, I’m selecting the Arial Black font at 72 points.
3. Set your type color to white for visibility, then click inside the document to add your text. I’ll type “Hawaii” for this tutorial.
4. Click the check mark in the options bar to accept the text.

Step 5: Rearrange Layers

1. With the type layer above the image, the text is currently obscured. Click and drag the type layer below Layer 1 in the layers panel.

Step 6: Create a Clipping Mask

1. To place the image inside the text, select Layer 1 again, click the menu icon in the upper right corner of the Layers panel, and choose Create Clipping Mask.
2. You’ll notice that the image is now visible only where it overlies each letter of the text.

Step 7: Resize and Reposition the Text

1. Select the type layer and go to the Edit menu, then choose Free Transform.
2. Drag the corner handles to resize while holding the Shift key to maintain proportions. Use Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) if you want to resize from the center.
3. Click inside the free transform box to reposition the text. Once satisfied with the size and position, click the check mark to accept the changes.

Step 8: Adjust Letter Spacing

1. Use the Type Tool and click between the letters to adjust spacing using Alt (or Option on Mac) with the arrow keys for kerning until the letters appear closer together.
2. Review and finalize the spacing until it looks right, then click the check mark again.

Step 9: Add a Drop Shadow

1. To enhance your text, you can add a drop shadow. Click the Layer Styles icon at the bottom of the Layers Panel and choose Drop Shadow.
2. Adjust the shadow by dragging to set the angle and distance. Increase opacity to around 50% and adjust the size for softness.
3. After positioning, click OK to close the layer style dialog.

Step 10: Crop the Image

1. To remove excess background space, select the Crop Tool from the toolbar.
2. Drag the top and bottom of the cropping box to cut away unwanted areas. Press Enter or Return to finalize the crop.

Step 11: Change Background Color (Optional)

1. If you wish to change the solid color fill background, double-click the color swatch for the solid color fill layer to reopen the Color Picker.
2. You can sample a color from your image or choose directly in the Color Picker. Click OK when finished.

Now, you've successfully created the effect of placing an image inside text using clipping masks in Photoshop! Enjoy exploring different images and text combinations.

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Keyword

• Photoshop
• Clipping masks
• Image inside text
• Layers panel
• Text Tool
• Drop shadow
• Crop Tool

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FAQ

1. What version of Photoshop do I need for this tutorial?
You can follow along with any recent version of Photoshop, including Photoshop CC.

2. Can I use any font for this effect?
While you can use any font, thicker fonts tend to work best for placing images inside text.

3. How can I change the text after I've created the effect?
You can double-click on the text layer in the Layers panel to edit the text. Just reapply the clipping mask if necessary.

4. What if I want a different background color?
Simply double-click the color swatch of the solid color fill layer to open the color picker and choose a new color.

5. Can I adjust the spacing between the letters?
Yes, use the Type Tool and hold Alt (or Option on Mac) with the arrow keys to adjust the spacing between letters (also known as kerning).