20 Great Text Effects in Photoshop

Many people think that Photoshop is good for only making high end graphics and photo enhancements. However, there's a lot more to this image editor than meets the eye. For example, did you know that it's also great for creating cool text effects and slick titles? If you didn't, then check out this compilation of 20 great tutorials showing you how to create text in a large number of styles, such as sci fi, photorealism, 3D and retro. As tempting as it is, don't just do these tutorials for the eye candy. Many of them show will show you some useful tricks and techniques to use as the basis for other work. In fact, by the time you're through with this list, not only will your Photoshop skills have improved significantly, you'll have added several useful tips and tricks to your bag of tricks.

Neon Text
In this easy to follow tutorial from Photoshop Support, you'll learn how to create neon sign-like lettering using nothing but layer styles.

Rainy Text
Learn how to make text that looks like it was literally formed from raindrops.

Star Craft
Just perfect for sci-fi and MMORPG related projects, this tutorial goes through the step by step process of creating 3 dimensional text made out of steel. The tutorial's aim is to create a finished wallpaper; however, you can skip straight to the part that teaches you how to make the lettering.

Grunge Rubber Text
If you've ever wanted a quick, fast, and dirty way to create a rubber stamped effect, then visit this tutorial to learn how.

Matrix Text Effect
Although the Matrix has become dated, this recreation of its famous falling numbers sequence is still a sight to behold. Find out how to make it using a simple text editor and Photoshop's layer styles.

Rap Diamonds
Bling up your text with this tutorial, in which you'll produce lettering that looks like it's rimmed in gold and encrusted with diamonds.

Text in Stitches
Using advanced brush tool options, find out how to make text that looks like it was literally stitched in fabric.

Chrome Text
There are quite a few chrome text tutorials out there; here is one that shows you how to create text that has shimmering reflections and highlights.

Light Burst
This is the popular "solar eclipse" effect that's often seen in sci-fi, science, and outer space graphics, in which lettering is backlit by powerful sun rays. Find out how to recreate it using the polar coordinates and zoom filters.

Blood and Guts Text
As the title suggests, this quick and dirty tutorial shows how to create text that looks like it's made out of internal organs.

Cheetos Text
Learn how to create the very stylish, colorful text that's often seen on snack food packages.

Highlighted Chrome
Many tutorials show you how to create chrome text; here is one of the few that shows how to add reflective lighting for a more sophisticated effect.

Retro Text Effect
If you're obsessed with 1970s and 80s graphics, you're in luck! In this lesson, you'll learn how to create eye popping text reminiscent of the 1980s.

Quick and Dirty Text Effects
Learn not one, but six popular text effects from this tutorial, including gold and plastic.

Wrapping Text in 3D
Find out how to make text look like it's encircling the planet Earth.

Chrome Text
This is yet another great chrome text tutorial that demonstrates how to create shiny, reflective text made out of metal.

Text on Turf
Make text that looks like it's been spray painted onto astroturf. Just perfect for sports-themed graphics!

Multiple Images in Text
This tutorial will show you how to create text made up of different images using the clipping mask function.

3D Text Effect
Although it's very simple, this tutorial will show you the basics of making 3-dimensional text that looks like it was rendered in a high end 3D program. Once you've completed it, you can use it as the basis for other titles by customizing layer styles.

Hot Butter Text
As the title suggests, you'll be taught how to make text that looks like it's made of hot, melting butter or some other soft substance.