Photoshop Basics: Working with Text

Lesson 12: Working with Text

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Working with text

The Type tool allows you to add text to your file. You can use text on a variety of projects, such as adding it to your images to create a poster, holiday card, or invitation. You'll also be able to customize the text to suit your needs.

Using the Type tool

  1. Locate and select the Type tool in the Tools panel. You can also press the T key on your keyboard to access the Type tool at any time.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  2. In the Control panel near the top of the screen, choose the desired font and text size.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  3. Click the Text Color picker, then choose the desired color from the dialog box.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  4. Click and drag anywhere in the document window to create a text box.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  5. A new text layer will be added to your document. You can start typing to add text to the layer.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC

If you want to add a lot of text to your document, you may find it easier to work with multiple text layers. This will give you more control over the apperance of your text. In the example below, we've added a second text layer for the word mountains.

Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC

Type tool tips

  • If you want to edit a text layer, you'll need to double-click the layer icon in the Layers panel. You can then change the text, resize the text box, or use the options in the Control panel to choose a different font or modify text size and color.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  • For even more text formatting options, go to Window, then select Character to view the Character panel.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC
  • If you want to move the text, you'll need to select the Move tool and click and drag it to the desired location in the document window.
    Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC

Rasterizing text

If you try to use certain tools with a text layer, such as Filters, you'll receive a warning message asking if you want to rasterize the text.

Screenshot of Adobe Photoshop CC

Rasterizing means the text will be converted into pixels, allowing you to make image adjustments that normally don't work with text. The downside is that you'll no longer be able to edit the text, change the formatting, or convert it back to a text layer. Therefore, you should only rasterize your text if you absolutely need to. If you don't want to rasterize it, simply click Cancel to keep the text layer in its current format.

More resources

Photoshop features many other ways to customize text. To learn more about these options, review these tutorials.

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