text in a layer mask?

rosselliot

I don't get this layer mask thing AT ALL. it's really confusing me. I only have Photoshop elements, but I do have that add on from about.com that has the short cut to form layer masks. but I know that there is someway to do this in elements:

I have designed paper that I scanned and want to create cards from it with people's names on it, and their name's text would be the design on the paper. I'm hoping that someone can help me with this! I'd really appreciate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- RE

marklarry28

Naap
Hi Ross,

go to http://www.photoshopuser.com/ is the best site to learn that and everything else.

jfriend

A couple ways to get text in a layer mask

rosselliot wrote:

I don't get this layer mask thing AT ALL. it's really confusing me. I only have Photoshop elements, but I do have that add on from about.com that has the short cut to form layer masks. but I know that there is someway to do this in elements:

I have designed paper that I scanned and want to create cards from it with people's names on it, and their name's text would be the design on the paper. I'm hoping that someone can help me with this! I'd really appreciate it!

I don't understand exactly what you're trying to do with text on a layer mask, but there are many ways to get text into a layer mask.

#1: Select the layer mask by clicking on it in the layers palette. Select the text tool and put text on your image. Because the layer mask is selected, your text will go in the layer mask, not in the main image.

#2: Alt-click on the layer mask in the layers palette. This will show only the layer mask in your main window. You can then directly manipulate the layer mask with the text tool or any other tool and can see what you are putting on the layer mask. Click on any layer to put the display back to the normal mode (where you only see the effect of the mask, not the mask itself).

colourbox

If you want a texture to be inside the type, a layer mask may be the inefficient way to do it. Are these two links what you're looking for?
http://www.heathrowe.com/tuts/typetricks2.asp
http://www.graphics.com/modules.php?name=Sections&op=viewarticle&artid=398

If they are, use a clipping mask instead. Although I don't know if Elements does clipping masks. If it doesn't, then jfriend's tips are probably the best way.

rosselliot

I'm sorry, but jfriends ideas doesn't make sense to me. would you be SO kind as to a step by step? like...what to click on. I mean, I know photoshop elements is really powerful, but right now, it's just frustrating.....

- RE

jfriend

Need to understand what you are trying to do

rosselliot wrote:

I'm sorry, but jfriends ideas doesn't make sense to me. would you be SO kind as to a step by step? like...what to click on. I mean, I know photoshop elements is really powerful, but right now, it's just frustrating.....

- RE

Please describe again what result you are trying to achieve and we can provide guidance on how to do it. I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish.

digismile

Ross,

I downloaded and tested the Layers action that you spoke of from About.com. It does work a bit different that regular Photoshop layers, so jfriend's instructions (which are perfectly valid for PS) have to been done a bit differently.

To his last message, we need you to be more specific in what you are trying to do.

1. We know that you have some kind of paper that you scanned. Is this the general background for the card, or is this the fill for the person's name?

2. Now that we know where the scanned detail is going, what's on the rest of your page?

One of linked examples show text filled in with a image detail and a different picture background. This is what was mentioned as a "clipping mask". To do this in Elements will take a few more steps, but can be done.

So, please come back to us with a more descriptive view of what your card will look like and I (or someone else who might beat me to it) will give you exact instructions and even a sample file if you want.

Look forward to helping you out,