Photoshop Layer Styles, what are they?

Adobe defines them as:  “A layer style is one or more effects applied to a layer or layer group. You can apply any of the preset styles provided with Photoshop or create a custom style using the Layer Style dialog box…. Typically layer styles are used for text effects, but they can be used on images, backgrounds, and any other layer as well.”

In today’s tutorial, we will:

• Apply a Layer Style to text.
• Customize the Stroke effect of that Style

For this tutorial, I am using Photoshop CC2015.5, but instructions for Photoshop Elements users are also included.

I am using my Painted Autumn Photoshop Styles, available at: Karen Schulz Designs   |   GingerScraps   |   Oscraps

I created these Styles specifically for my use when designing the Painted Autumn Word Strips.

Today, let’s look at how to change the white stroke to another color.

1. Open up a blank document and place on it one of the Painted Autumn text PNG’s. Alternatively, you can type your own words/phrase of choice.
2. Apply a Painted Autumn Style to your text.

The Painted Autumn Styles come with 2 different Stroke sizes: Large and Small. I have applied the Large Stroke Style to “Crisp Air.”  The “fx” icon on the layer indicates that a Style has been applied to this layer.  Under the “Effects” label, we can see that the Style contains the following effects: Stroke, Inner Shadow, Satin, Color Overlay, Pattern Overlay.

To access the options available for the Stroke Effect, double-click to the right of “Stroke.”

The Layer Style box will open.  You will see that the “Stroke” option is highlighted in dark gray.  The options that can be adjusted for the Stroke are visible on the right.

The Stroke options are:

• Size:  I set the Stroke Size to 7 px.  If you want the size of your stroke to be larger or smaller, you may scale it here by adjusting the slider.
• Position: I have it set the position to Outside, which allows more of the letter itself to be visible. It can be adjusted to Outside, Inside, or Center.
• Blend Mode: I have it set to Normal. You can experiment with this in the future; but for now, let’s leave it alone.
• Opacity: I have it set to 100%.  As with the Blend Mode, experiment as you like, but I have it set at 100% in this Style.

The Fill Type and Color are what we want to focus on today.

The Fill Types available are: Color, Gradient, and Pattern. Make sure your Fill Type is set to Color. (You can access the Gradient and Pattern options by clicking on the down-pointing arrow.)

In the Color box, you will see the color White, since that is the color that the Style was created with. This is where you will change your color if you like. Double click inside the white color box, and the Color Picker will open.

Select the color you would like your Stroke to be, then click OK. That’s all there is to it.

I chose a green color for my stroke.

Don’t forget with Photoshop CC you can add multiple Strokes if you like.  Here I have added a green Outside Stroke at 4 px and a white Inside Stroke at 1 px.

Photoshop Elements Users:

For the most recent versions of Photoshop Elements, you can apply a Stroke to your text by clicking on the Styles Panel, then choosing Strokes in the menu at the top of the Panel.

Once you have applied a Stroke, return to the Layers Panel. Double-click on the “fx” icon to the right of the Text Layer. This will open a Style Settings box where you can make adjustments to the Lighting Angle, Drop Shadow, Glow, Bevel, Stroke Size, Color, and Opacity.

I hope you have found this tutorial helpful!

Watch this tutorial at Karen Schulz Designs YouTube Channel here: How to Adjust the Stroke Effect in a Photoshop Layer Style. Be sure to subscribe when you’re there so you can be notified of new video tutorials.

Karen Schulz
KarenSchulz.net