Creating 3D text in Photoshop is one of those skills that looks super impressive but is actually pretty easy once you know the steps. I remember the first time I tried to make 3D text—I spent hours trying different techniques, only to end up with something that looked more like a bad shadow than a cool 3D effect. But once I figured out the right method, it became a go-to trick for making logos, posters, and even social media graphics pop.
So, if you want to learn how to create stunning 3D text in Photoshop, follow this step-by-step guide. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!
How to Create 3D Text in Photoshop: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Create a New Document
Open Photoshop and create a new document. Go to File > New, and set the dimensions based on your project. I usually go with 1920×1080 pixels at 300 DPI for high-quality results. If you’re making something for Instagram, you might want a square canvas (like 1080×1080 pixels).
Make sure the background is a solid color or transparent, depending on how you plan to use the text later.
Step 2: Add Your Text
Select the Type Tool (T) from the toolbar and click anywhere on the canvas to type your text. Pick a bold font for the best 3D effect—something like Montserrat Black, Impact, or Bebas Neue works great.
Once you’ve typed your text, go to the Character Panel (Window > Character) to adjust the spacing, size, or alignment. Bigger and bolder fonts generally make the 3D effect stand out more.
Step 3: Convert to 3D
Now for the fun part! With your text layer selected, go to 3D > New 3D Extrusion from Selected Layer. Photoshop will instantly convert your text into a 3D object.
At first, it might look a little dull, but don’t worry—we’re about to make it look amazing!
Step 4: Adjust the 3D Depth and Perspective
Once your text is in 3D mode, use the Properties Panel to tweak the extrusion depth. This controls how “thick” your 3D text appears. A good starting point is around 100-200 pixels.
To adjust the perspective, use the Move Tool (V) and drag the 3D object around. If you want a more dynamic look, tilt it slightly by rotating it in the 3D Panel.
Step 5: Apply Lighting and Shadows
Lighting makes a massive difference in how realistic your 3D text looks. Go to the 3D Panel > Infinite Light and adjust the angle of the light to create shadows and highlights.
If you want a soft shadow under your text, select Ground Plane Shadows in the Properties Panel and tweak the Softness setting.
Step 6: Customize the Text Material
To give your text a metallic, glossy, or matte look, go to the Properties Panel and select Material. Here, you can:
- Change the diffuse color to alter the text color.
- Adjust the shine and reflection to create a polished or matte effect.
- Add a texture by clicking on the folder icon next to Bump Map and selecting a texture file.
Experiment with different materials to see what works best for your design!
Step 7: Render the 3D Effect
Once everything looks good, it’s time to render your text. Rendering smooths out the lighting and shadows to make everything look more realistic.
Go to 3D > Render 3D Layer and let Photoshop do its magic. Depending on your computer’s power, this may take a few minutes.
Step 8: Final Touches with Layer Styles
To make your 3D text pop even more, consider adding some Layer Styles:
- Drop Shadow for extra depth.
- Outer Glow for a neon effect.
- Gradient Overlay for a smooth color transition.
You can access these effects by double-clicking the 3D text layer in the Layers Panel and selecting the effects you want to apply.
Final Thoughts
Creating 3D text in Photoshop isn’t as complicated as it seems. With a few simple steps—extrusion, lighting, material adjustments, and rendering—you can make your text look professional and eye-catching.
So, go ahead and experiment! Try different angles, materials, and lighting setups. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at creating stunning 3D text effects.
