Quick Tip: Create a Crisp Metallic Text

Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial, we will explain how to create a crisp, metallic text effect using just a

couple of layer styles in Photoshop. Let's get started!

Step 1

Before opening Photoshop, install the font Rothenburg Decorative and these grunge brushes.

Open Photoshop and Create a New Document, 1800 x 1300 pixels in RGB mode, 72 DPI and

finally then Fill the background with this dark grey color #1f1f1f.

Step 2

Create a New Layer, name it 'texture' and using these Grunge Brushes click a couple of times

in the center of the document using a white color. Use different brushes, try to cover the

center of the document, varying the textures.

Step 3

Double-click on the thumbnail of the Layer 'texture' to open the Layer Style panel. Into the

'Blending Options'

Reduce the 'Fill' to 0, then apply a 'Drop Shadow' and an 'Inner Shadow' using these settings.

This will give the texture a realistic embossed look.

Step 4

Click on the 'Add Layer Mask' icon, then click Command/Ctrl + (I) to invert it.

Pick a big soft Brush (hardness: 0% - size: 950px) and click in the center of the document.

This way the 'texture' Layer will be shown only in the center, fading on the edges of the

document.

Step 5

Using the 'Type Tool' (T) and these settings, type the word 'Othello' or whatever you want. If

you can't see the 'Character Window" go to Window > Character.

Step 6

Open the 'Layer Style' of the 'Othello' Text Layer and apply these settings. Below each step

you can find a preview for the effect just added.

Step 7

Once you've modified the Style, click Ok. Now select the word 'Othello', using the Type Tool

(T). Select everything beside the first capital letter and reduce the kerning to -5 as in the

image below. You can find the Character Window under Window > Character.

Step 8

Duplicate this Layer with Command/Ctrl + (J), right-click on the Layer's thumbnail and

choose 'Clear Layer Style'. This way the text below matches exactly the one above, and now

we can add more effects. My favorite way to work with 2 Layer Styles, is to create a solid

base as we did to the first Text Layer, and then add lightings and reflections on the second

Layer above. This way you can blend easier the lights and colors with the textures of the

Layer below.

Step 9

Let's go on, adding a Layer Style to this second 'Othello' Text Layer. Double click on its

thumbnail to open the Layer Style panel. Set fill opacity to 0 in blending options.

Step 10

The effect is pretty much done, but we need to make it look crisp and realistic, in this final

step. Take a look at the trick with the 'Stroke': dropping down it's Opacity to '0' it works

almost as a layer mask, hiding the Layer on its edges. A Stroke of 3px 'Inside', for example,

will hide the Text for 3 px along the edges, revealing what's below in that 3px range. Once

you've finished with these settings, click Ok to apply the effect.

Conclusion

Remember that when you Save the final effect, as a jpg image for example, it may look

different, sharper, and more defined overall.

Източник: http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/crisp-metallic-text-effect--psd-18029