This tutorial demonstrates how to warp text using [1] Adobe Photoshop’s Warp Text Tool - and I am demonstrating this technique using Photoshop CS4 (Extended).

Mixing Filters Note
There is nothing preventing you from applying more than one warping Tool or Filter at a time: in fact, mixing warping filters and further warping your text using one of Photoshop’s Transformation Tools can produce much better and personalised text-warps.

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.

My on-line tutorial [2] here demonstrates how to warp text around a label.

My [3] PDF tutorials demonstrate how to warp text along different objects.

There are alternative methods of warping text; however, before using those methods, you need to Rasterise the text first: Layer then Rasterise then Type. (Note: You don’t need to Rasterise your text if you are applying the Vector-based Warp Text Tool).  After Rasterising your text, from the top menu, choose Edit then choose Transform then select your choice from the subsequent Transformation Tools - for example Perspective; as illustrated below.

Alternatively, from the top menu, choose Filter then choose Distort, then experiment with different Distortion Filters - as illustrated below.

Sharpening Tip
After you have finished warping your text, it is always a good idea to apply a Sharpening Filter to it afterwards: Filter then Sharpen.

Apply Photoshop’s Warp Text Filter

To begin, onto an open canvas, [4] apply the Horizontal Type of your choice.

Then drag the type to a central position. (Remember to leave plenty of room for the subsequent displacement).

Tip
If you are applying a Drop Shadow to your text, do so now: Layer then Layer Styles.

Now, from the Horizontal Type Tool’s Toolbar, click the following Create Warped Text button.

Then from the subsequent Warp Text dialogue box, click open the Styles; and experiment with different text-art Styles - as illustrated below.

Tip
Before clicking OK to apply the Style of your choice: click through different Styles and Settings to see how they effect the look of your text.

The following examples demonstrate different Styles, (I have applied the default settings).  However, for personal results, always experiment with the Styles dialogue box settings.

Arc

Arc Lower

Arc Upper

Arch

Bulge

Shell Lower

Shell Upper

Flag

Wave

Fish

Rise

Fisheye

Inflate

Squeeze

Twist

Now you are familiar with the Warping Tools, Commands and Filters that [5] Photoshop offers, you can have lots of fun creating uniquely warped text.

My [6] Photoshop PDF Tutorials Here demonstrate how to snap type around a circular path.

Best Wishes and a Happy New Year. 

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

 

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