Create Cut-Out Text

Paint Shop Pro Image Tutorials | Submited Nov 21, 2007

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1. Create a new document and fill the background with a texture or solid color.

2. Select the text tool.
a. Click in the document where you want your text to start and the Text Entry dialog will appear.
b. Click on the "Standard text" button. Adjust the font, size, and orientation as desired.
c. In the "Create as" section make sure Floating and Antialias are selected. Click OK to add the text.

3. Go to selections > Save to Alpha Channel then click OK. Type a name for the channel or accept the suggested name of Selection #1.

4. Go to Selections > Promote to Layer. You should have black text on your textured background. Now for the effects...

5. Go to Effects > 3D Effects > Cutout.
a. Use these settings as a starting point: Shadow color: black, Offset: V=2/H=2, Opacity: 50, Blur: 3, Fill with interior color: UNchecked
b. Use the Auto Proof button to preview the effect and adjust if necessary. When satisfied, click OK to apply the effect.

6. Go to Selections > Load from Alpha channel. Select the alpha channel you saved previously and click OK.

7. Optional: You may want to go to Selections > Hide Marquee before the next step. It will make it easier to preview the effect.

8. Go to Effects > 3D Effects > Drop Shadow.
a. Use these settings as a starting point: Offset: V=1/H=1, Opacity: 80, Blur: 2, Color: White
b. Use the Auto Proof button to preview the effect and adjust if necessary. When satisfied, click OK to apply the effect.

9. Go to Selections > Select None and you're done!


Finished image should look something like this: