Create a golden text effect in Photoshop CC and CS6

In this tutorial, I will show you how to easily create a golden text effect with Photoshop using simple layer and gradient effects. And to make the golden letters really shine, we'll end up adding flashes to the text with one of Photoshop's brushes!

I've updated this tutorial to include recent changes in Photoshop, such as the new Brushes panel in Photoshop CC 2020 and the new Free Transform shortcuts in CC 2020. So for best results, you'll want to use the the latest version of Photoshop CC. But where necessary, I also include the original steps for Photoshop CS6 users to follow.

Here's what the effect of the golden text will look like when we finish:

The final effect.

Start!

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How to create golden text in Photoshop

I'll start with the steps to set up the document and add the initial text. But if you have already added the text, you can skip to step 8 where we start turning the text into gold.

Step 1: Create a new Photoshop document

Create a new document by uploading to File in the menu bar and choosing Nuevo:

Yendo a File > New.

And in the New Document dialog box, set the Wide of your document to 1600 pixelsthe Height to 800 pixelsand the Resolution to 72 pixels/inch.

Then in Photoshop CC, click the Create button, or in CS6, click OK:

Adjusting the width, height and resolution of the new document.

The new document appears:

The new Photoshop document.

Step 2: Fill the document in black

To help the golden letters stand out, change the background color of the document from white to black.

Get on the Edit in the menu bar and choose Fill:

Go to Edit; Fill.

Then in the Fill dialog box, set the Content to Black and press OK:

Changing the content to black.

Photoshop fills the background with black:

The document after filling the background with black.

Step 3: Select the type tool

To add your text, select the Tool Type on the toolbar:

Selecting the type tool.

Step 4: Choose your font

Then, in the Options Bar, choose your font. For this tutorial, I will keep things simple and use Times New Roman BoldBut you can use any font you want.

Put the Size of the type of 72 pt. We'll resize the type once we've added it, but this will give us the largest preset size for now:

Choosing a font and adjusting the size to 72 pt.

Step 5: Set the type color to white

To view text on the black background, set the initial color of type to white. We'll add the golden colors later using layer effects.

Click the color sample In the options bar:

Clicking on the color swatch.

And in the Color Picker, choose white by setting the R, G and B (Red, Green and Blue) each 255. Then close the Color Picker by clicking OK:

Changing the color of the type to white.

Step 6: Add the text to the document

Click inside the document and add your text. I will write the word "GOLD".

Don't worry about the text being too small. We will resize it in the next step:

Adding the text.

To accept the text, click the check mark In the options bar:

Click the check mark to accept the text.

Step 7: Resize and reposition text with Free Transform

To resize the text, and move it to the center of the canvas, move it to Edit menu and choose Free transformation:

Go to Edit; Free transformation.

Then change the size of the text by clicking and dragging any of the corner handles that appear around him.

But this is where we come across a difference between Photoshop CC and CS6.

How to change text size in Photoshop CC

Starting with Photoshop CC 2020, Free Transform now locks the aspect ratio automatically when dragging handles, so as not to distort letter shapes when resizing text. This is the behavior we want, so if you're using Photoshop CC, you can simply drag the handles without adding any modifier keys.

How to change text size in Photoshop CS6

But in CS6, you need to push and hold your Change while dragging the handles to lock the aspect ratio in place. And when you're done resizing the text, make sure you release the mouse button before releasing the Shift key.

Move text in the center of the document

Once you've resized the text, move it to the center of the canvas by clicking inside the Free Transform box and dragging the text into position.

When you're done, tap Enter (Win) / Returns (Mac) on your keyboard to close Free Transform:

Resize the text by dragging the corner handles.

Step 8: Make a copy of the type layer

Now that we've added the text, we're ready to start turning the letters into gold.

In the Layers panel, make a copy of the Type layer by dragging it down into the Add a new layer At the bottom:

Dragging the type layer to the Add New Layer icon.

A copy of the Type layer appears over the original:

The "golden copy" layer appears.

Clean up your layer panel in Photoshop with these essential tips!

Step 9: Color text with a gradient overlay layer effect

To convert the text to gold, we will use Photoshop's layer effects. And the first effect we need is gradient overlap. We'll use it to add some golden colors to the letters.

Still in the Layers panel, make sure the "Copy to GOLD" layer is selected. Then click the Layer styles (the "FX" icon) at the bottom:

Clicking on the Layer Styles icon.

And in the layer effects menu, choose Gradient overlap:

Choosing a gradient overlap layer effect.

Step 10: Create a custom gold gradient

Photoshop opens the Layer Style dialog box set to the gradient overlay options.

First, clear any previous settings you have used by clicking the Reset to default ... button:

Readjusting gradient overlap options.

And then edit the gradient colors by clicking on the Gradient sample:

Clicking on the gradient color swatch.

In the gradient editor, double-click the color stop below the left Gradient side:

Double-clicking on the left color top.

Adding the colors of the gold gradient

Let's create a custom gold gradient for the text. And to help us, I tried the colors of a photo of a gold coin.

In the Color Picker, set the R value to 247the G value to 238and the B value to 173. Then click OK to close the Color Picker:

Changing the color for the left side of the gold gradient.

Back in the gradient editor, double-click the color stop below the To the right Gradient side:

Double-clicking on the correct color stop.

And in the Color Picker, it is set R to 193the G to 172 and B to 81. Then click OK:

Changing the color for the right side of the gold gradient.

Learn how to test the colors of the text in your images.

Step 11: Save the gold gradient as a preset

You'll need this gradient again, so save it as a preset.

In the gradient editor, name the gradient "Gold", and then click the Nuevo To save it:

Saving the custom gradient as a preset.

A miniature of the gold gradient appears in the Presets ... In the area:

Photoshop adds a thumbnail for our new gold gradient preset.

Click OK to close the Gradient Editor, but leave the Layer Style dialog box open.

Here is the text with the gold gradient applied:

The text colored with the gold gradient.

Step 12: Change the gradient style to mirrored

Back in the Layer Style dialog box, change the Style of gradient a Reflected:

Changing the option from Style to Mirrored.

This moves the darker golden color to the top and bottom of the text, with the lighter color passing through the middle:

The effect with the gradient style set to Reflection.

Step 13: Add a bezel and amplifier; Embossed layer effect

To the left of the Layer Style dialog box is a list of all the layer effects we can choose from.

Select Bevel & Emboss By clicking directly on the effect name:

Adding a bezel layer and embossing effect.

And then clear any previous custom settings by clicking on the Reset to default ... button:

Reajustando el Bevel & Opciones de relieve a los valores por defecto.

Step 14: Change the technique to hard chiseling

In the Structure section, make sure that the Style is set to Inner bezel.

Then change the Technique to Hard Chisel:

Changing the technique to "Hard Chisel".

Step 15: Change the brightness contour to one ring – double

In the Shading section, click on the small arrow to the right of the Brightness contour ... in miniature. Make sure you click the arrow, not the thumbnail.

Then double-click the Ring – Double outline to select (third thumbnail on the left, bottom row):

Changing the option from Bright Outline to Double-Ring.

Step 16: Change the angle and turn on Anti-Aliasing

Still in the Shadow section, set the Angle to 120°.

Then turn on the Anti-aliased To smooth any uneven edge:

Adjusting the angle to 120° and activating anti-aliasing.

Step 17: Set the highlight and opacity of the shadow to 75%

To add more contrast to the effect, increase both the Highlight opacity and the Shadow opacity to 75%:

The opacity options of the light and shadow modes.

And here's the effect so far:

The text after applying Bevel and Emboss.

Step 18: Increase the size value to fill in the letters

To make the text look more like solid gold, close the space inside the letters by increasing the Size of the Bevel and Emboss effect.

The easiest way to do this is to first click inside the size value box to activate it. Then use the Up arrow on your keyboard to slowly increase the value. As you do, you'll see the letters filling in from the outer edges toward the centers.

The Size value you need will depend on the size of your text. For me, a value of 41 pixels It does the job:

Increasing the size value.

And here is the golden effect with the letters filled:

The effect of the golden text after increasing the Size value.

Step 19: Increase the depth value

Then increase the Depth by dragging your slider to the right. This will improve the lighting and add more contrast to the reflection of the letters. I will set my depth value around 170%:

Increasing the value of depth.

And now the letters are starting to resemble gold:

The effect after increasing the value of the depth.

Step 20: Add an inner gloss layer effect

Add a Inner glare Layer effect by clicking its name to the left of the layer style dialog box:

Adding an inner shine layer effect.

Then clear any previous settings by clicking Reset to default:

Readjust the Interior Glow settings to defaults.

Change the Mixing mode of the interior brightness of the screen to Multiply.

And put the Opacity to 50%:

Adjusting the mixing mode and opacity of the internal brightness effect.

Then change the color of the glow by clicking the color sample:

Clicking on the color swatch.

And in the Color Picker, choose a shade of orange by setting the R value to 232, G to 128 and B to 31 (I took a sample of this color from a photo of a gold brick.) Then click OK in the color picker:

Choosing orange for the Inner Glow.

Finally, increase the Size of the glow until it completely fills the letters. In my case, I will set the size value to 75 px:

Increase the Size value.

When you're done, click OK to close the Layer Style dialog box.

Its golden effect should now look something like this:

The effect of the golden letter after applying the Inner Glow.

Step 21: Select the original type layer

Back in the Layers panel, click the Original Type layer to select it:

Selecting the Original Type layer.

Step 22: Add a stroke around the letters

Then click on the Layer styles At the bottom:

Clicking on the Layer Styles icon.

And this time, choose Blow:

Selecting a stroke layer style.

In the Layer Style dialog box, click the Reset to default To clear any pre-race settings:

Readjusting the race options to the default values.

Step 23: Fill the stroke with the preset gold gradient

Change the Type of filler of the color stroke a Gradient.

Then click on the small arrow to the right of the gradient sample and select the "Gold" gradient that we saved before by double-clicking on its thumbnail:

Change the type of filling to gradient and choose the custom gold gradient.

Step 24: Set the style, position, and size of the stroke

Change the Style of the Linear gradient to Reflected.

Then, set the Position From the coup to Outside and increase the Size to around 8 pixels:

Changing the Style, Position and Size options.

And now we have a stroke around the text that is placed in the same colors as the text itself:

The effect after applying the gold gradient to the stroke.

Paso 25: Aplicar Bevel & Emboss al trazo

Vamos a aplicar otro Bevel & efecto de relieve, no a las letras sino al trazo.

Click on the words Bevel & Emboss to the left of the Layer Style dialog box:

Haciendo clic en Bevel & Emboss.

Don't click Reset to defaults this time, as we're going to use most of the same settings as before.

Instead, simply change the Style from the inner bezel to Hit the relief. The Technique must be fixed to Hard Chisel.

Put the Size at the same size he chose for the coup, which in my case was 8 pixels:

Changing the options of style, technique and size.

Comprobando el otro Bevel & Ajustes del relieve

Asegúrate de que el resto de los ajustes de Bevel & Emboss son los mismos que antes. Si por alguna razón no lo son, tendrás que cambiarlos:

Depth: 170%
Angle: 120°.
Gloss Contour: Ring- Double
Anti-aliasis: Proven
Highlight Opacity: 75%
Shadow opacity: 75%

The bezel and embossing settings for the stroke.

Activating the Outline option

Debajo de Bevel & Emboss a la izquierda del cuadro de diálogo del Estilo de Capa hay un efecto llamado Contour. Click inside the check box to turn it on.

This will further improve the lighting around the stroke:

Selecting Contour for the stroke.

Y así es como se ve el texto en oro con Bevel & Emboss aplicado al trazo:

The stroke now shares the same lighting and reflection effects as the type.

Step 26: Apply an outer gloss layer effect

Let's finish our layer styles by adding a slight glow around the text, as if the light is reflected off the golden lettering.

Click directly on the words Exterior brightness to the left of the Layer Style dialog box:

Selecting the exterior brightness.

Put the Opacity from brightness to 40%and then click the color sample:

Adjusting the opacity and changing the color of the Outer Glow.

In the Color Picker, set the R value to 232, G to 128 and B to 31, and then click OK:

Choosing a new color for the Outer Glow.

And finally, increase the Size From brightness to surroundings 60 px:

Increasing the size of the outer brightness.

Learn how to copy layer effects between layers in Photoshop!

We're done with our layer effects, so click OK to close the Layer Style dialog box.

And here is the golden text effect with all our layer effects applied, including the new Outer Glow:

The effect is almost complete.

Step 27: Select the "GOLD copy" layer...

We will finish the golden text effect by adding flashes to the letters. And to do that, we'll need to add the flashes in their own separate layer.

In the Layers panel, click on the "Gold Copy" layer (the top layer) to select it:

Selecting the top layer of the Type.

Step 28: Add a new layer over the text

Then, press and hold the Alt (Win) / Option (Mac) on your keyboard and click the Add a new layer ... icon:

Clicking on the Add New Layer icon while holding down Alt (Win) / Option (Mac).

In the New Layer dialog box, name the layer "Flashes" and click OK:

Naming the new layer.

Photoshop adds a new blank layer called "Flashes" over the text:

The new layer is added on top of the others.

Step 29: Select the brush tool

We'll create the flashes using one of Photoshop's brushes.

Select the Brush tool on the toolbar:

Selecting the brush tool.

Step 30: Select the "Crosshatch 4" brush from the assorted brush set

The brush we need for our glitter, "Crosshatch 4," is included with Photoshop as part of the assorted brush set. But the brush assortment does not load automatically, so we will have to load it ourselves. And this brings us to another difference between Photoshop CC and CS6.

In Photoshop CC 2020, Adobe redesigned brush panels. So use the following steps to load the brush based on your version of Photoshop.

How to load assorted brushes in Photoshop CC

In Photoshop CC, with the Brush Tool selected, Right-click (Win) / Control-click (Mac) within the document to open the Brush preselection selector.

Then click on the Menu icon At the top right:

Clicking the Brush Selector menu icon in Photoshop CC.

And choose... Legacy brushes From the menu:

Click OK To load the legacy brush set:

Restoring the brush set of legacy.

Back in the Brush Preset Selector, scroll down to the new Legacy Brushes folder and open it by rotating:

Opening the Legacy Brushes folder.

And inside the folder, open the Assorted brushes folder:

Opening the set of assorted brushes.

Then scroll down the list of assorted brushes until you find the Crosshatch 4 brush.

Double-click your thumbnail to select the brush and close the brush preset selector:

Double-click the Crosshatch 4 brush thumbnail.

How to load assorted brushes in Photoshop CS6

In Photoshop CS6, with the Brush Tool selected, Right-click (Win) / Control-click (Mac) within the document to open the Brush preselection selector.

Then click on the Menu icon At the top right:

By clicking the menu icon in the Brush Preset Selector.

And choose the Assorted brushes ... In the menu:

Choosing "Assorted Brushes" from the menu.

Photoshop will ask if you want to replace your current brushes with new ones. Choose Appendices To add them to existing brushes:

Adding the assorted brushes with the current brushes.

Back in the Brush Selector, scroll down through the brushes until you find the 48 pixels Crosshatch 4 brush. Look for the brush that looks like an "X" with the number 48 below (48 means the default brush size is 48 pixels).

Double-click your thumbnail to select the brush and close the brush preset selector:

Double-click on the brush thumbnail "Crosshatch 4".

Step 31: Show a golden color to use for flares

Choose a color for flares by sampling a color from the text.

Press and hold the key Alt (Win) / Option (Mac) on your keyboard to temporarily switch from the Brush Tool to the Dropper tool... And then click on a light golden color to try it out.

I will choose a light area of the letter "O":

Holding down the Alt key (Win) / Option (Mac) and sampling a color from the text.

Step 32: Click on the letters to add random flashes

Release Alt (Win) / Option (Mac) to return to the Brush tool. And then click on a few random dots around the text to add your flashes.

For more variety, resize the brush before each click by pressing the left o Right support keys on your keyboard. The left bracket key makes the brush smaller and the right bracket key makes it bigger.

Don't add too much shine or you'll overdo it. A couple of bigger and smaller ones is all you need. If you don't like the last brightness you added, tap Ctrl+Z (Win) / Command+Z (Mac) on your keyboard to undo it, and then try again.

Here, I've added a couple of flashes to the letter "G," a third, smaller flash at the bottom of the letter "L," and a fourth at the top left of the letter "D":

The effect after adding some flashes.

Step 33: Lower flare opacity (optional)

And finally, if the flashes look too bright, just lower the opacity of the "Flashes" layer.

You will find the Opacity at the top right of the Layers panel. I'll lower mine to 80%:

Reduce the brightness of the flashes by lowering the opacity of the layer.

And with that, we're done! Here, after lowering the opacity of my "Flashes" layer, is my final golden text effect:

The end result.

And there we have it! This is how to create golden text in Photoshop!

Now that you have created the golden text, look at the second part where I teach you how to easily replace the background of the effect.

Or visit our Text Effects or Photo Effects sections for more tutorials!