Nion Text Effect in Photoshop

Creating a neon text effect in Photoshop involves using layer styles and effects to simulate the glowing properties of neon lights. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving this effect:

Step 1: Create a New Document

1. Open Photoshop and create a new document (File > New).
2. Set the dimensions (e.g., 1920×1080 pixels) and choose a black background.

Step 2: Add the Text

1. Select the Text Tool (T) from the toolbar.
2. Click on the canvas and type your text. Use a bold font for the best effect, such as “Arial Black” or “Neon Lights.”
3. Adjust the font size as needed and center the text on the canvas.

Step 3: Apply Layer Styles to the Text

1. Double-click the text layer to open the Layer Style dialog box.
2. Apply the following styles:

Outer Glow

• Blend Mode: Screen
• Opacity: 75%
• Noise: 0%
• Color: Choose a bright neon color (e.g., neon blue, neon pink)
• Technique: Softer
• Spread: 0%
• Size: 30px
• Contour: Linear
• Range: 50%
• Jitter: 0%

Inner Glow

• Blend Mode: Screen
• Opacity: 50%
• Noise: 0%
• Color: Same as Outer Glow color
• Technique: Softer
• Source: Edge
• Choke: 0%
• Size: 10px
• Contour: Linear
• Range: 50%
• Jitter: 0%

Bevel & Emboss

• Style: Inner Bevel
• Technique: Smooth
• Depth: 100%
• Direction: Up
• Size: 5px
• Soften: 0px
• Angle: 120° (Uncheck Use Global Light)
• Altitude: 30°
• Gloss Contour: Linear
• Highlight Mode: Screen, Color: White, Opacity: 75%
• Shadow Mode: Multiply, Color: Black, Opacity: 50%

Drop Shadow

• Blend Mode: Multiply
• Color: Black
• Opacity: 75%
• Angle: 120° (Uncheck Use Global Light)
• Distance: 10px
• Spread: 0%
• Size: 20px
• Contour: Linear
• Noise: 0%

Step 4: Add a Neon Tube Effect

1. Create a new layer above the text layer.
2. Use the Pen Tool (P) to draw a path around the text, following the contours of each letter as if tracing the neon tube.
3. Right-click on the path and select “Stroke Path.” Choose “Brush” and make sure the brush size is appropriate for the neon tube effect (e.g., 5-10px). Set the brush color to the same neon color used for the glow.

Step 5: Enhance the Glow

1. Duplicate the text layer (Ctrl + J or Cmd + J).
2. Move the duplicate layer below the original text layer.
3. Apply a Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur) to the duplicate layer. Set the Radius to around 10-15px to enhance the glowing effect.
4. If needed, duplicate the blurred layer again and increase the blur radius to further intensify the glow.

Step 6: Add a Background Glow

1. Create a new layer below all the text layers.
2. Use a large, soft brush with a low opacity (around 20-30%) and paint around the text to create a subtle background glow. Use the same neon color for the brush.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

1. Make any necessary adjustments to the opacity and blend modes of the layers to achieve the desired effect.
2. Group all related layers (select the layers and press Ctrl + G or Cmd + G) to keep your workspace organized.

Step 8: Save Your Work

1. Save your file in PSD format to keep all layers (File > Save As).
2. Export your image in the desired format (e.g., JPEG or PNG) (File > Export > Export As).

Your neon text effect is now complete! The text should now have a vibrant, glowing appearance that simulates neon lights.