2.13 Clipping mask with text

A clipping mask is a slightly different kind of mask. It allows one layer to show through another layer. This is especially useful as a text effect, as in this illustration. In Ex 10, we we going to make a “Jewel” case for a band’s CD, which we’ll just call “The Wall”    

IN GIMP

  1. Create a new .xcf file 5×5 inches, 72 ppi
  2. Use the text tool to write “The Wall”  in a bold font
  3. Top menu:  Select / by Color  – and then use the eyedropper tool. to select the text color
  4. In the layers menu, Create a New Layer Group and add the text layer to it.
  5. File / Open as Layers – Bring in your background layer (bricks, stones, etc).  Move it into the Layer Group on top of the text layer.
  6. Using layers menu, select the Layer Group.
  7. Top Menu:  Layer / Mask / Add Layer Mask and then in the dialogue box check “Selection”

In Photoshop

  1. Create a new Photoshop file 5 x 5 inches (The size of a CD case). 
  2. Use text tool to write The Wall, make the text as large and as wide as possible in one layer.
  3. Then open the Window > Character pale

    Character palet

    t. Notice we’re using Optima Extra Black font, although others could also work. We want a font with thick characters so that the image of the wall can show through.

    1. Notice also that we are using 140 point text. The settings only go up to 72 points, but you can type in higher size numbers.  
    2. Check out the space between lines, or “leading,” which is set on “(Auto)”– This is too much space. Highlight the text layer and try a different setting, possibly 120 points, to bring  the lines closer.   (Auto leading is usually about 30 percent more than the size of the type).  
  4. Find an image of a stone or brick wall and put it in a layer above  the text. (Yes, above).  (One Wikipedia Creative Commons photo of a stone wall is here).  
  5. Be sure the text layer under the wall layer. (Yes, under).

    Layers pallet ready for mask

    1. Highlight the wall layer.
    2. It should look like the Layers pallet here:
  6. The layers pallet has a pull-down menu in the upper right corner.  Pull it down and look for the command  “Create clipping mask.”  The bricks should come through the letters.  
  7. Save your psd file, then save it again as a jpg and post it to your site.