Letters with picture behind them

[Faith&Hope]

Help! I am really trying to teach myself Photoshop. I am trying to make a name with the big letters and a photo/clipart/background behind the outline of the letters (see through letters). I know it can't be too hard but I just can't seem to get it.

I remember seeing a post over a year ago on how to do it in Word as well.

Can someone help me?

 

[Dom13]

I use Photoshop Elements but it should be the same or similar in Photoshop.

Start with a solid color background. Add your text choosing a bold typeface so there's a lot for the image to peek through. Make sure the text is a ddifferent color than either the background or the color you plan to use for the border. Duplicate the text layer twice and turn one invisible so you can save it for later in case you want to experiment. There are 2 ways to create the border:

1. Simplify one of the 2 test layers, goto the Edit menu, and select stroke and add your border making sure it's a different color then either the text or the background.

2. Choose one of the 2 text layers, choose your border color, goto the effects menu and choose either Bold Outline or Medium Outline (I find the Thin Outline is too thin.)

Next merge all visible layers. Using the Magic Eraser turn the insides of the letters transparent. This will make a mask of the letters.

Add your background image, merge all visible layers. At this point you cna either leave it the way it is or you can turn the outsides of the mask transparent if you wish to use it on the web.

Feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

Here is how I do it...

http://www.planetphotoshop.com/photos-within-type-part-1.html

 

[Faith&Hope]

Thank you so much Dom13 and Mickey (Amy)! You are both angels!! I am off to create now!! Let's hope I'm still smiling after tonight!! It's late and I'm tired but I'm gonna figure it out with your instructions!!

 

[WendyMS]

Thank you for the hints. I'm learning Photoshop. Little bit at a time. I think I'll be spending some serious time on those tutorials on planet photoshop.

Many Many thanks!!!!

Wendy

 

[Faith&Hope]

Okay,figured out the letters! Now I am stuck on how to do the Mickey Head shape the same way. I also asked for help on another thread but I need help! How do I do the head shape? Thanks!!

 

[Dom13]

Basically the same way.

1. Create your Mickey head using 3 circles, black on white. I usually duplicate the ear layer to make sure both are the same size.

2. Merge all layers in to one.

3. Using the magic eraser turn the black areas transparent.

4. Paste the pic(s) you want behind the mask you just created.

If you want a border on the Mickey head use the following steps.

1. Create your Mickey head on a transparent background using a color other than white or the color you plan to use for the border.

2. Merge all layers in to one. (don't flatten, merge)

3. Select Stroke from the edit menu to create your border.

4. Fill the remaining outside areas with white and turn the Mickey head transparent. This will create your mask.

5. Paste the art work behind the mask.