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Soft Bevelling


Layer effects are very powerful and are used for a vast array of different Photoshop techniques. 'Bevel and emboss' is often considered to be the effect of choice for professional graphic designers, but it also has a tendency to create very harsh contrasts in unskilled hands. The aim of this tutorial is to detail a method for creating smooth cartoon-like bevels for text and interfaces using only layer effects.

Step 1:  Create a new 200 by 100px document and fill the background with black. Then use the horizontal Type Tool to create a white-coloured word of your choice. In my example I've used the 'CalvinItal' font at size 140. Don't worry if you don't have this particular typeface - just select something with a curvy look (It will show off the effect to its fullest potential).

Step 2:  With the text layer selected, select Layer > Layer Style > Bevel and Emboss from the application menu and duplicate the settings opposite. Using this screen you can vastly alter the look of the whole effect.  Just adjust the highlight and shadow modes and see what you can come up with!

NB. From this point onwards, if an option isn't displayed in the examples to the left, just leave it at PS default.

Step 3:  Without leaving the layer effects dialog, go to the Drop Shadow section and enter these settings.

Step 4:  Complete the soft look by going into the Stroke section and entering in these settings.  This will give it a cel-shaded outline that also helps the text show up against light backgrounds.

Step 5:  Now press OK to exit the layer effects dialog and admire your work! Of course, its probably a good idea to change the black background to something more appropriate (we only used black so the white text would show up in the first step).

Variations:  Et voila - a simple soft bevel effect created with the minimum of hassle.  Of course, its possible to apply this style to interfaces too.  Just have a play around - its often surprising how such a simple effect can be so powerful.

- Tutorial written by Man1c M0g

Automatic Translations: Translate Into French Translate Into German Translate Into Italian Translate Into Spanish Translate Into Portuguese

Last 5 User Comments

User:  RogueBase (#49254)
Date: Mon Apr 07, 2008. 09:20:08

Post #4 of 4

Thanks, this is a great beginning to making my own text styles. Very easy to follow and the effect is delicate and pretty.

Reply to this post


User:  2Unstoppable (#28681)
Date: Wed Jun 07, 2006. 22:43:48

Post #3 of 4

I find that when I try to do this with higher resolutions -- I have to tweak the presets.

Guess practice makes perfect

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User:  shorttie (#25304)
Date: Sun Mar 19, 2006. 20:08:15

Post #2 of 4

i still have to try this effect
it looks really cute and simple
the directions seem really simple too :D
it possibly might be another reason i should make another layout ;)

Reply to this post


User:  Lhii Kanakari (#22083)
Date: Thu Dec 29, 2005. 17:40:33

Post #1 of 4

Thanks man! This is a cool tutorial and it's effect is awesome for the short amount of time put into it.

Reply to this post


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