A transparent text overlay adds style to your images by letting background colors and textures show through the text. You may think doing this is a bit difficult, but with tools like Adobe Photoshop, you can master this art like a real pro.
Below, we’ll discuss the step-by-step instructions to achieve this look and make your message stand out in your pictures without compromising the backdrop.
Table of Contents
Methods To Make Text Transparent in Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop offers you two different ways to create transparent text in a jiffy:
Method 1: Using Blending Options
Fill Opacity under Blending Options in Photoshop allows you to reduce the infill to 0 within the text layer to get the transparent effect. However, the problem with this method is that the text does not combine well with the subject in the picture.
Method 2: Using Layer Mask
The Layer Mask clips the text into the background layer to create a cut-out effect where the subject shows through the content and gives it a transparent look. But the flip side is that you may find it hard to edit the text later.
Steps To Create Transparent Text Overlay in Photoshop
Out of the two, the layer mask is a simple and quick way to make a transparent text effect in Photoshop. So, let’s go through the steps:
Step 1: Upload the Photo
Launch Photoshop, click “Open” on the main screen, choose your photo, and click “Open” to upload it.
Right-click “Background” in the Layers panel on the right and choose “Duplicate Layer.”
Change the name to “Editing Layer” and click “OK.”
Step 2: Create a Mask
Now, choose the “Quick Selection” tool from the left menu bar and click “Select Subject.”
Click and hold “Editing Layer” and drag it to the “Layer Mask” option. Otherwise, select the layer and click “Add Layer Mask.”
Step 3: Add Text
Click “Type (T) Tool” from the left menu and type in your text. Press Ctrl/CMD+T and adjust it on the subject.
Right-click the original text layer and select “Duplicate Layer.” Rename it to “Transparent Text.”
Right-click the “Transparent Text” layer and choose “Convert to Shape.”
Select “Rectangle Tool (U),” click “Fill” in the top ribbon and set it to “None.” Now, choose “Stroke,” set its color to black or white, and increase its width as required.
Drag the original “Text” layer below the mask “Text Effect” layer to get the transparent effect.
Step 4: Export the Image With Transparent Text
Finally, click “File” in the top right corner, choose “Export” and select “Export As.”
Select the file type, configure other settings, and click “Export” to save it on your PC.
Select the location where you want to export the image and click “Save.”
Tips and Tricks
Hide or Delete the Original Text Layer
To get completely transparent text over the subject and main backdrop, you can simply hide the original text layer from the Layers panel or choose to delete it.
Use Layer Styles
Double-click the “Transparent Text” layer to open the Layers Styles and apply Drop Shadow, Inner Glow, or Outer Glow. This will create a more layered effect and add depth to the text while maintaining transparency.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Not Adjusting the Stroke Size and Color
Not adjusting the stroke size and color correctly for the “Transparent Text” layer, blends the text too much into the image and is not visible enough. So, selecting a shade that contrasts the background and playing around with the stroke width until the text is easy to read is best.
Not Duplicating the Original Background Layer
If the backdrop of your subject becomes transparent after creating the layer mask, it’s likely because you are working on the original background layer. Therefore, always duplicate the “Background Layer” before creating transparent text.
FAQs
Is It Possible To Create a Transparent Text With a Gradient?
Select “Stroke” in Photoshop after converting the “Transparent Text” layer to shape and choose Gradient. Then, choose from any of the available gradients, such as “Blues,” Purples,” and others, to create the effect.
Can I Change the Font Style Before Applying the Transparent Effect?
After typing your text, press Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac) to select it, click the fonts option in the top menu ribbon, and choose the style you want to apply. However, make sure to change to a font that is easy to read and is clearly visible on the picture.
Conclusion
So you now know an easy way to create a transparent text overlay using the Layer Mask option in Adobe Photoshop.
It’s now your turn to experiment with this technique and take your text overlay skills to the next level.
