Using Text and Shapes in Photoshop

Using Text and Shapes in Photoshop

This series of projects will teach you how to use Text and Shapes on a photo.  There are four projects listed below that will help you learn how to use type on your photos in very creative ways to help make your photos convey a message in a different way.

For the first three projects you will use a blanl Photoshop document to practice the techniques. The last assignment you will add type and shapes to a photo.

Project One: Adding Type to a Photo

a.       Launch Photoshop

b.      Create a blank document: File > New

c.       Name the document with your name and the project name.

d.      Size the document: Width 10 inches, Height 8 inches, Resolution 200. Do not change any other settings at this time.

e.       Select the Type Tool from the tool bar at the left.

f.        Bring your courser onto the document, mouse click, then hold and drag to make a box.

 

       Begin typing. Locate a quote from the Internet about media and type it in the box you created. 

h.      Adjust the size, font and color at the tool bar located at the top of the Photoshop workspace.

i.         To adjust the size and shape of the box: Mouse click and hold onto a square at the corners of the box.

j.         Save onto desktop and post to your blog.

Project Two: Text on a Path

a.       Launch Photoshop

b.      Create a blank document: File > New

c.       Name the document with your name and the project name.

d.      Size the document Width 10 inches, Height 8 inches, Resolution 200. Do not change any other settings at this time.

e.       Select the Freeform Pen Tool from the tool bar at the left. 

f.        Go to the top of the Photoshop workspace and make sure Path is selected.

g.       Bring curser onto blank document, mouse click and hold and draw any path.

h.      Next, select the Type Tool (horizontal)

i.         Hover the curser over the center of the Path you just created…mouse click and begin typing. Use a different quote than the first project.

j.         Adjust size, font and color at the top of the Photoshop workspace.

k.       To modify the Type and Path, select the Direct Selection Tool.

l.         Hover the courser over the type and look for the curser to change to arrows. Mouse click and drag type to desired location along the path.

m.    When finished, click the “check mark” at the top of the Photoshop workspace.

n.      Save onto desktop and post to your blog

Project Three: Text in Shapes

a.       Launch Photoshop

b.      Create a blank document: File > New

c.       Name the document with your name and the project name.

d.      Size the document: Width 10 inches, Height 8 inches, Resolution 200. Do not change any other settings at this time.

e.       Select the Custom Shape Tool in the tool bar at the left. 

f.        Go to the top of the Photoshop workspace and select Path.

g.       Select Shape to want to use. 

h.      Bring curser into the blank document, mouse click, hold and drag to make

the shape.

i.         Select Type Tool from tool bar at left.

j.         Hover the courser over the outline of the shape and begin typing.

k.       Adjust size, font and color at the top of the Photoshop workspace.

l.         When finished, save and post to your blog.

To fill the Shape with text, follow the directions below:

a.       After you have made your shape, go to the top of the Photoshop workspace and select Shape.

b.      Select the Type Tool from the tool bar at the left.

c.       Hover your curser in the center of the shape, mouse click and begin typing.

d.      Adjust size, font and color at the top of the Photoshop workspace.

Project Four: Use these techniques in a Photo

a.       Use one or more of the “Type” and “Shape” techniques on a photo. 

b.      The photo can be one you shoot, select from your files, or the Internet.

c.       The Type and Shapes you select should enhance the meaning of the photo.

d.      Save the finished project to your desktop