How to create outlined text

[angleigh]

Ever wonder how to create that thick outline around text or monograms. Here's a quick and easy tutorial I found in response to a request I had:

1. Select the type tool and create your text.

2. Control-click on the type layer (Command-click on Mac). This creates a selection around the type.

3. Set the foreground color to the desired outline color.

4. Click the new layer button on the layers palette.

5. Go to Edit > Stroke

6. Set the width to the desired amount.

7. Set the Location to Outside.

8. Click OK.

Tips:
If you edit the text, you'll need to trash the outline layer and recreate it.
For a ragged outline, set the layer blend mode to dissolve and lower the opacity.
For a gradient filled outline, Ctrl-click (Command-click on Mac) on the outline layer, and fill the selection with a gradient.

This and other tutorials can be found at about.com
http://graphicssoft.about.com/cs/photoshop/ht/

[lisacohen]

I use stroke all the time!! I use it for the white border around my photos that you can see on almost every LO that I do! I just am addicted. I set up an action in PS because I use it so much. It's probably a phase - but one that I'm happily stuck in for the moment!

[Fiddlette]

I appreciate this! I didn't have that website, either! I printed out the tut, and will try adding the white border to the word Beauty in my lo to see if it improves its visibility! Thanks again!

Christine
Fiddlette

[dureen1025]

I've been wondering how to do this and was so excited to find this tutorial. I tried it but wasn't able to make it work. I use PSE 2 and the problem came when I was trying to select the type. (BTW I am using a MAC) I selected the type but it selected the entire canvas area. I wasn't sure how many pixels to make it so I set it at 10. The program looked like it was working on it but I never saw the outline. I made sure I was using two different colors :(. I was able to make a outline around the 2x2 canvas but not around the letter. Any help would be appreciated. TIA

[angleigh]

Sorry i'm not familiar enough with Mac's to be able to help out here.

Does anyone have a Mac or are familiar with Mac's that can help figure out what the problem is here?

[elliesmama]

Dureen -

I use a Mac too but I don't think this is a Mac vs. PC issue.

Sounds like maybe you were on the wrong layer (ie, the background layer?) and not on the layer with the type on it. Either that or somehow the type and the background were flattened to one layer so it chose the white background.

N

[dureen1025]

Nanci,
Thanks for the response... I will try opening it again and make sure I am on the correct layer :)
BTW I love this site.

[jesshunt]

yay! I was just wondering about this and I came in here to ask how to do it - turns out I didn't even have to ask - you're already on it! I'm sure this will be all over my layouts for awhile - thanks for the help!!

[tanbanan]

Thank you for the tutorial on outlining text! This is a great tool and one that I will use time and again, just added it to a previous LO, thanks! :)

[HillsCass]

Totally cool!!!

Thanks SOO much, can't wait to put it on a layout!!