Shiny 3D Text in Photoshop

This tutorial is going to show you how to use a simple 3D text as an element for modification using Photoshop. This is the final result:

Step 01

This tutorial idea was inspired by my personal blog header, many people asked about how to do it. To create the basic 3D text, I’ve used the Xara 3D which is a simple and intuitive software specifically made for creating 3D texts. You can use any 3D software you are used to, the colors and textures we’ll add inside Photoshop. Place the text on a new document, each letter on a separate layer.

Step 02

Separate the front of each letter from the “extrude” using the pen tool. Just to visualize that, I’ve turned off the visibility of the “extrude” part.

Step 03

Now we are going to apply some colors and effects to the front of each letter. This is the configuration I’ve used for letter A.

Step 04

Add some color to the extrude. For that, create a new layer and make a clipping mask (Alt+Ctrl+G). Change the blending mode for Color and use the brush to paint using the colors from the front. An extra touch is added using the Burn Tool (O) in the extrude layer to create depth.

Step 05

Repeat step 03 and 04 for the other letters.

Step 06

Prepare the background layer painting it black. Create a new layer and set the background and foreground colors for black and blue (or other you might prefer). Go to the menu Filter > Render > Clouds. Add a layer mask with a radial gradient from black to white to make the bounds darker. Repeat two more times changing the blending mode to Color Dodge.

Setp 07

Pay attention to this sequence. Create a new layer and fill with any color and set the fill to 0%. Use the layer stile option to fill with a white dots pattern (or any texture, pattern you prefer. If you want the dots, you can make your own or find here, here or here). Right click on the layer effects on layer panel and go to Create Layer and delete the white layer. Distort the dots layer following the “A” perspective and make a Clipping Mask (Ctrl+Alt+G).

This is the dots layer with the blending mode Overlay:

Step 08

Repeat for the rest.

Step 09

Let’s add some light. Create white strokes with the Pen Tool (P) (for more detailed information, take a look at this article). Remember to set your brush for a hard (hardness 100%) and rounded one first. In the dialogue box, choose Brush as the tool and mark the option “simulate pressure”. Add a shiny white Outer Glow.

Setp 10

Make another stroke using the Pen Tool (P) with the brush set to a hard (hardness 100%) rounded one. Add a white Outer Glow and mask some parts to integrate with the letters.

Step 11

I’ve added a little more light, using a big white brush in a new layer above the clouds and changing the blending mode to Overlay. Also, added some elements to the composition. Feel free to use anything you want.

Step 12

I’ve added another element, made with the Elliptical Marquee Tool (E) and strokes. You can use images, textures, vector, elements, anything your creativity permits you.