In this tutorial, we learn how to add transparent text to a picture surrounded by a semi-transparent background so that the text can be readable.
You’ll need:
- Adobe Photoshop CS6 (other recent versions will work too)
- New York City picture
Step 1
Open the picture in Photoshop and add a new blank layer by clicking on the New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers palette.
Let’s fill the layer with white color by going to Edit > Fill and using the settings shown below.
Lower the opacity of the new layer to make it semi-transparent. Don’t worry about making it perfect since we can change it later. I will keep it at 70%.
Step 2
Now, let’s add the text. Select the Type Tool and choose your font and its size.
Also, make sure that the color of the type is set to black.
Now, write your text.
Step 3
Let’s resize the text now. Select Edit > Free Transform and drag the handles while holding Shift to change the text’s size. We will also reposition the text by dragging it downwards. Press Return (for Mac) / Enter (for Windows) when you are done.
Step 4
Now, we will group Layer 1 and the type layer together. Select the type layer, hold Shift and click on Layer 1.
Select Layer > Group Layers to group them together.
Step 5
We will now make the text transparent. Select the type layer and click on the small menu icon on the top-right of the Layers palette.
Select Blending Options and use the settings shown below.
Step 6
Now, we will resize the semi-transparent background to surround only the text. Select Layer 1, go to Edit > Free Transform and resize the background. When you’re done, press Return (for Mac) / Enter (for Windows).
Finally, we will change the opacity of the semi-transparent background to make it better. I will increase it to 80% to make the text more readable.
And we’re done!
