Photoshop Tips - Adobe Photoshop and Text
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by: DavidPeters
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Word Count: 930
A far cry from the conventional perception of photography, the modern-world usage of photographs ranges from the classic diorama to the more forward calendars, virtual cards and even the occasional business presentation. To add to the impact using photography in spheres that are far detached and removed from their more traditional stance, a well-worded caption or even a tagline work like no other, especially when they augment the theme you aim to create by using these images. Many conservative photographers and image editors had hitherto shunned this approach on account of the patchwork effect that was created by former versions of image editing software. However, this is one of the avenues Photoshop has broken new ground in, allowing a dizzying array of features that don't just present the caption in a palatable format, but also allow you to use text with an image to enhance the overall effect you're looking to create.
Photoshop not only allows you to caption your image, but also blend the text in, so that instead of standing out as a jarring addition to your photograph, it merges in as an integral part of the frame. To do this, Photoshop uses a technique called Anti-Aliasing, which smoothes the edges of the text you type, by partially filling in the pixels along the edges. What's more, you can even choose the extent to which your text is smoothened from 'strong' to make your text appear heavier, to 'sharp' which makes the letters more prominent, but not crude.
Experts who have worked with Photoshop ever since its inception recommend that for very small text, which is under the size of 10 to 12 points, you use the setting called 'None', which does not apply the feature at all. This is because at very small sizes or at low resolutions, the anti-aliasing feature modifies text inconsistently, bringing about less than desirable results. To choose an option that isn't as sharp as the 'sharp' option creates, but is also more distinct as compared to the 'smooth' alternative, try the aptly labeled 'Crisp' option. To select, or deselect, anti-aliasing, you first need to go into the 'Type' layer in the Layer Palette and then click on the relevant option from the Anti-aliasing Menu. You can find this menu in the options bar, or in the character palette.
When working with the 'Type' options, you first need to activate the 'Type' tool with the letter 'T'. This will bring all the Type Tool alternatives into the Options bar, all of which can be used to add or modify the text that you add to your image. Of the various tools that you find on the Options bar, the first two let you choose between a Type Layer and a Type Mask to work on your image with. If you are looking to add a relatively large piece of text to your image, you can also consider creating a Type Layer, on which you can click and create a rectangle or square to make a text column. You can then work this column to the relevant section of the image, to ensure more accuracy. And if you choose to type directly on the layer, you must remember to pay attention to the 'I beam' on the image, which has a small horizontal line across it, to denote the baseline. Adhering to the baseline will further augment the accuracy with which you position your text, saving you a lot of valuable time and effort in the entire process.
With Photoshop, you always have the option of previewing your text to check for font and style compatibility, even before you actually begin to type in the content. However, if you think you need to see the final effect to make your decision, you also have the alternative of typing your text in, highlighting it and then modifying the finer nuances. Coloring your text is another ballgame altogether. With Photoshop, you can not only fine-tune your color choice with every individual character, but also multi-hue your text while using only a single layer. While the Color-Picker is bound to spoil you for choice, you can also pick colors off your image by moving your cursor to the color you want to emulate, while keeping the Color Picker window open.
After you're through with working on your image and are ready to showcase it in all its creative glory, you can exit the 'Type' mode with the 'Enter' key on the Numeric keypad. Other ways to move out would be by clicking on any other tool in the toolbox, or the checkmark in the Options bar. For any oversights you want to correct, there is always the 'T' icon in the thumbnail section of the Layer's Palette, double-clicking on which, you can go back to the 'Editing' mode once again. An easy way to resize or reposition the text is to simply click and drag it as per your preference while holding down the 'Shift' key. This prevents your text from getting distorted in relation to the proportions you set out with and if you aren't too particular about the same, you can also stretch your text out, or flatten it by not using the 'Shift' key.
Photoshop has endless avenues for both amateur enthusiasts and professionals to explore. Although the learning curve can be steep and hard to grapple with, take your time with the software and be as creative as you can when using it. With a little practice and loads of determination, turning everyday plain-Jane images to digital masterpieces will be a forte you have firmly etched out for yourself!
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