Abstract Fractured Text Effect

In this tutorial, we’re going to create a nice abstract fractured text effect. This effect works best on bold fonts at large sizes, as illustrated below, but could be applied to a variety of texts and shapes to create some interesting looks. I’m going to make my text blue, but you can use any color you like. Start by creating a new document with a black background and enter your text in white.

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 1

Now double-click on the layer to bring up the Layer styles dialog and apply the following styles.

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect - Fig. 2 Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect - Fig. 3

Your text should now look like this:

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 4

Now we want to create a new layer (call it “texture” and group it with the text layer by Alt+Clicking between the two layers in the Layers palette.

Now grab the gradient tool and select a black to white linear gradient. Set the gradient mode to “Difference” and go nuts! Drag several gradients at varying angles across the text. The more the better.

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 5

Now hit Ctrl+J to duplicate the layer and once again Alt+Click between it and the original texture layer to group it. Next, go to Filter - Stylize - Find Edges.

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 6

Next, hit Ctrl+I to invert the layer, then hit Ctrl+Shift+L to do an auto levels adjustment, then set the layer and then set the layer mode to “Pin Light.”

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 7

Next, create another new layer (”color” and fill it with the color of your choice (I’m using #0653bf). Again, Alt+Click between it and the 2nd texture layer to group it with the text. Now set the layer mode to “Color” to complete the effect.

Adobe Photoshop Tutorial - Abstract Fractured Text Effect Fig. 8

You can download the PSD file for this tutorial here.

Added Thursday, October 26th, 2006 at 6:10 am under Text Effects.