Adding Layer Styles to Text

Photoshop and Photoshop Elements provide a range of different layers styles that can be applied affectively to text to help you create interesting logos or buttons. Just don't go too overboard though.

1) Create a new layer and use the text icon to write your text.

2) Go up to Layer Style menu (In Elements this is found on the palette menu at the top, and in Photoshop it can be accessed through the Layer > Layer Style menu)

Layer Styles Menu

The different sorts of Layer Styles can be seen in the Elements drop down menu here. Try adding Bevel for a 3D appearance to your text or a little drop shadow to lift your text off the page. The Complex styles give even more dramatic effects.

Experiment with combining different types of effects together as well.

3) For even greater control over the styles go to Layer > Layer Style > Style settings and adjust the parameters of any style you have applied. This will allow you to change the size of a drop shadow for instance, or how deep a bevel appears.