Learn how to create a soft glow behind your text to spice up your image!

Written By Ed
8/30/2006

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Tutorial:
Create a New Transparent Document. Size of the canvas is optional, but for my example, I used a 470x61 Pixel Canvas.



Fill the Canvas with a Dark Color. This effect is most effective when used with a dark background. In my example, I made a gradient () from a black to a dark grey as my background. Also I added a light pattern in the background to spice things up.



Use the text tool () to create some text fields on your canvas. Generally a lighter color would be more effective for this effect. For my example, I use a white and orange color and write the words "Glow Text Effect" on the top left corner and "WebDevTutorial.Com" on the bottom right corner.



In the Layer Panel, right click the text layer which you would like to add the glow to and click on "Duplicate Layer"



After clicking on the "Duplicate Layer" field, a pop-up should appear. Change the "As:" field to the Name of Original Layer + Glow. This step is not crucial, but keeps the file organized. Click the OK Button to continue.



Now a new copy of your text layer should appear on top of your original text layer. Move the new "Glow" layer under the original text layer. With the "Glow" layer still selected, go to the top menu drop downs and select Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur...



After clicking on the Gaussian Blur Filter, a warning pop-up will appear confirming to Rasterize the Type. Click OK and continue.

The Gaussian Blur filter pop-up will then appear, in my example, I used a 2 pixel gaussian blur. Play around with the settings to see which best fits your taste.



Repeating the above steps from Duplicating Layer on for my other text layer finishes our little project.



Conclusion:
This effect is very easy to do and can be used anywhere. The effect can also be used in other places other than just text. Play around with the settings and you'll find this effect to be very useful.