A Designer’s Way to Emboss Typography

Video

Written Tutorial

Learn good use of bevel and embossing features that does not come off amateur-like. Useful as a foundation to make a stylish 3D typography.
Subtlety is the key!

Result

Step 1: Setting Up

Make a new document which is any size and 72 DPI in resolution for the purpose of trying out this tutorial. Preferably fill the background with a dark colour.

Step 2: Adding Typography

Select the Type tool and type some words into your document. Make sure the thickness of your font is around the same as the one you see in the result. You can go thicker if you want, but if you go too thin – this effect won’t come out as nice.

Choose a colour you like for it. Make sure to use gradients in the layer styles with the same colours as the one you chose.

Step 3: Typography Styling

Go into your layer styles of the text you just created and enter in these values.

NOTE: The opacity is low to provide that subtle look. Also the Global Light is unticked in most of the settings and they are custom angles. Adjust the angles to match the lighting direction you want to achieve; This can vary depending on what layer style option it is.

Soft Drop Shadow

Inner Shadow to accentuate the depth

Gradient Highlight to make it appear more 3D

Small Stroke to make a nice and crisp lighting effect

Step 4: Layer Below

Now duplicate your text and select the bottom text layer. Change the Fill option below the opacity in your Layers window to 0%.

We’re going to create the metalic looking sides that can easily make your text look 3D. Once you have done the layer styles for this layer, be sure to try moving it around to a nice looking place which matches with your lighting direction.

Should look like this on its own when you are done.

This gives it the metallic shine. Adjust to your personal liking.

Stroke with the same gradient as with the other gradient highlight.

Step 5: Additional Lighting

This part can make your typography look polished and more 3D. You can also use a Lighting Effects filter to make this. But for the simple method, use the following:

Set up your Gradient Tool like this

Create a new layer on the very top of the pile and make some gradients like this

Should look like this on your layer window

Right click that layer you are working on and select Create Clipping Mask. Alternatively hold ALT and click between the two layers.

Duplicate it as well for the Stroked Text Layer below as so:

Now you can set this layer to overlay if you wish it to be more subtle and of course play with the opacity level as well. Good luck.

Conclusion

Moral of this tutorial? Be gentle with your layer styles – try using low opacities and experiment with different layers to create a professional look. Do not go overboard with default PS styles like the examples you see in the video.

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