mike258

Please help me with this simple question.? When I try to apply a gradient to the type here, I have to rasterize the type layer.? When I do this, the gradient is applied to the entire image rather than just the type.? Help!


Thanks,
Mike

ricib

You need to make a "mask" out of the rasterized type layer. Several steps involved, but it's an easy task to do.

basics, make a layer that has your radiant colors on it, make another layer that's above that one, for the text. Rasterize and for the heck of it, maybe add color to the layer with the text, then make all the text transparent so that the gradiant shows through. Merge those two layers, and then use the magic wand to make the color around the outside of the text, transparent.

Make sense?

Gaussian

Hi Mike.

Don't use the gradient tool, use a layer style instead.

huma

Or ... clip the layer so the gradient is only applied to the type layer.

The layer style Gausssian mentions is probably the simpliest solution.

ronmatt

Here's a good example where Photoshoppers should consider learning Illustrator as well for some (or many, as the case may be) things. What you want to do is a simple 3 step operation in Illustrator Step1; make the gradient. Step2; set the type and position over the gradient where you want it. Step3; Select all > Object > clipping mask > make - group- done. Takes about 1.32 minutes. All vector

ladyfinger007

Ronmatt, with all due respect, the same three steps can be made in Photoshop, and the type is still vector, and still editable. Just ALt+click between the line that separates the two layers, no need for layer hunting.
Or, as Gaussian said, just adding a layer style is even faster!

Lee

Great advise but for those who don't know, how do you add a layer style?

WOLVERINE

I gotta vote for layer style. Just click on the layer style icon at the bottom of the layers palette and go to town. Try out all of the options and settings you see there too because they can do some great things. But I have to mention that especially when dealing with a school themed image you should make it look like you weren't too distracted in school yourself. You can do this by spelling "distractions" correctly.

Gaussian

I prepared a little screenshot that should explain it. Notice that to be able to use a semi-transparent gradient, I had to set the fill opacity to 0. I just threw in that tip for those who are not very familiar with fill opacity.

mike258

Thanks Gaussian and others,

Mike