Quick Tip: Create an “IronHero” Text Effect in Photoshop

In this quick tip tutorial we will demonstrate how to create a cinematic “IronHero” Text Effect using layer styles. Let’s get started!

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial.

• CGF Arch Reactor font
• Brushed Metal Texture from this pack

Step 1

Make a new .PSD document, size 1000 x 500 pixels, RGB color, 100 dpi and grey background (color #33333). Create a new layer and fill it with a rusty/grunge metal texture. Now create the text using this font: CGF Arch Reactor (look at Tutorial Assets). Use the settings shown in the following pictures. Now rename this text: “Text Base”. Then go in the menu Layer > Layer Styles > Blending Options and use these settings:

Step 2

Duplicate the text and rename it “Stroke Bevel”. Right click on his layer and click to “Clear Layer Style” or in the Styles Palette click on the first style “Default style (None)” (It’s the same thing). In the Blending Options menu on the right set the fill of the layer to 0%. Then go in the menu Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options and use these settings:

Step 3

Duplicate again the text and rename it "Text Detail". Right click on his layer and click to "Clear Layer Style" or in the Styles Palette click on the first style "Default style (None)" (It’s the same thing). In the Blending Options menu on the right set the layer on "Multiply". Then go in the menu Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options and use these settings:

Step 4

Duplicate for the last time the text and rename it “Text Gradient”. Right click on his layer and click to “Clear Layer Style”. In the Blending Options menu on the right set the fill of the layer to 0%. Now and use these settings in the menu Layer > Layer Style > Blending Options:

Step 5

Your text effect is almost complete. Now we have to create a text reflection. Insert all 4 layers of the text effect in a group. Duplicate this group. Then go in menu Edit > Transform > Flip Vertical. Now place it as shown in the image below. Then, in the Layers Menu click "Add a layer Mask," and with the Eraser Tool delete as much as you want in order to create a realistic reflection. Finally to make the text effect nicer, create a new layer and add colored lights with soft brushes (set them to Linear Dodge).

Conclusion

Now your text effect is complete.