This tutorial demonstrates how to warp text using [1] Paint Shop Pro.  I am demonstrating this technique using Paint Shop Pro X2 Photo, therefore, some of the Tools and Filters may differ (or be missing) from earlier Paint Shop Pro versions.

To begin, onto an open canvas, [2] apply the text of your choice.  (Ensure Create as is set to Floating, and remember to leave plenty of room for the subsequent displacement).

Then drag your text to a central position.

(Press Ctrl then tap the D key to remove the text’s Selection Marquee).

Note
If you are applying a Drop Shadow to your text, then do so now: Effects then 3D Effects.

Tip
To quickly navigate through a Filter’s numerical value: first highlight the numerical value with your mouse, as illustrated below.

Then immediately (whilst the text remains highlighted) tap either the top-facing or bottom-facing Keyboard Arrow Keys: this increases (or decreases) the values - one digit at a time.

Sharpening Tip
After warping text, always finish by applying a Sharpening Filter to it. (Effects/Image then Sharpen/Sharpness).

Paint Shop Pro’s Warping Tools
There are many different ways of warping text: for example, you can utilise the Warp Brush Tool, the Mesh Warp Tool or the Deformation/Deform or Pick Tool - as illustrated below.

Warp Brush Tool

Mesh Warp Tool

My PDF Tutorials [3] here demonstrate how to utilise Paint Shop Pro’s Warp Brush Tool, Mesh Warp Tool and Deformation/Deform/Pick Tool.  Alternatively, you can utilise one of Paint Shop Pro’s Distortion Filters: for example, Polar Coordinates, Ripple, Twirl, Warp and Wave.  Alternative Filters that are good for warping text are (from the Geometric Effects): Cylinder Vertical, Pentagon, Perspective Horizontal, Perspective Vertical and Skew. However, for personal results, always experiment with the Tools and Filters I have already mentioned: and remember, there is nothing stopping you from implementing more than one Tool or Filter at a time.  In fact, playing with different Filters and Tools will build the effect, so producing better (and personalised) text warps.

[4] (My on-line Paint Shop Pro Tutorial Here demonstrates how to perspectively warp text along an object).

[5] (My on-line Paint Shop Pro Tutorial Here demonstrates how to snap text along a hand drawn Bezier Curve).

Distortion Effects (Filters)

An interesting warping filter is Curlicues: (Effects then Distortion Effects). For my example, I chose the following settings.

Randomise Tip
For personal results, always experiment with your chosen filter’s settings, especially the Randomise Parameters (dice icon).

To apply a different warp, revert your image to its un-warped state by clicking the top menu’s Undo Arrow.

Then continue to play with different warping Tools or Filters. The following screen captures demonstrate different ways of utilising Paint Shop Pro’s “warping” Filters and, as always, experiment with the settings until you find a look you like: not forgetting to play with the Randomise Parameters (dice).

Polar (Distortion) Coordinates

Ripple (Distortion) Filter

Warp (Distortion) Filter

 

Wave (Distortion) Filter

Geometric Effects Filters

Cylinder Vertical (Geometric)

Pentagon Filter (Geometric)

Perspective Horizontal (Geometric)

Perspective Vertical (Geometric)

Skew (Geometric)

Spherise (Geometric)

 

My PDF tutorials [6] here demonstrate how to warp text around spherical-shaped objects.

Note
Although not a warping tool as such, the Feedback Filter (Reflection Effects) as you can see below, can produce interesting results.

Now you are more familiar with the Warping Tools, Commands and Filters  that [7] Paint Shop Pro offers, you can have lots of fun creating uniquely warped text.

My [8] Paint Shop Pro PDF Tutorials Here demonstarte how to snap text around a circular path.

Best Wishes and a Happy New Year.

[9] Wendi E. M. Scarth.  (1st January 2010).[10]