Photoshop ICE text effect - Unique Foundation

Creating an ICE text effect in Photoshop involves several steps to simulate the appearance of icy, frosted text. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Create a New Document

Open Photoshop and create a new document (File > New).
Set the size of the document (e.g., 1920×1080 pixels) and choose a white background.

Step 2: Add the Text

Select the Text Tool (T) from the toolbar.
Click on the canvas and type your text. Use a bold font like “Arial Black” or “Impact” to make the effect more prominent.
Adjust the font size as needed.

Step 3: Apply a Gradient Background (Optional)

Create a new layer and move it below the text layer.
Select the Gradient Tool (G) and choose a gradient that goes from light blue to white.
Drag the gradient across the canvas to create a cool background that complements the ice effect.

Step 4: Apply Layer Styles to the Text

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

Bevel & Emboss

Style: Inner Bevel

Technique: Chisel Hard
Depth: 300%
Direction: Up

Size: 20px
Soften: 0px
Angle: 120° (Uncheck Use Global Light)

Altitude: 30°
Gloss Contour: Ring
Highlight Mode: Screen, Color: White, Opacity: 75%

Shadow Mode: Multiply, Color: Dark Blue, Opacity: 75%

Inner Glow

Blend Mode: Screen
Opacity: 75%

Noise: 0%
Color: White
Technique: Softer

Source: Edge
Choke: 0%
Size: 10px

Contour: Linear
Range: 50%
Jitter: 0%

Outer Glow

Blend Mode: Screen
Opacity: 75%
Noise: 0%

Color: Light Blue
Technique: Softer
Spread: 0%

Size: 15px
Contour: Linear
Range: 50%

Jitter: 0%

Satin

Blend Mode: Multiply
Color: Dark Blue

Opacity: 50%
Angle: 19°
Distance: 13px

Size: 12px
Contour: Invert

Color Overlay

Blend Mode: Overlay

Color: Light Blue
Opacity: 100%

Drop Shadow

Blend Mode: Multiply

Color: Dark Blue
Opacity: 50%
Angle: 120° (Uncheck Use Global Light)

Distance: 10px
Spread: 0%
Size: 10px

Contour: Linear
Noise: 0%

Step 5: Add Frost Texture

Create a new layer above the text layer.

Fill this layer with white color.
Go to Filter > Noise > Add Noise. Set the Amount to around 150%, Distribution to Gaussian, and check Monochromatic.
Go to Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur and set the Radius to around 2px.

Change the blend mode of this layer to Overlay and reduce the opacity to around 50%.
Create a clipping mask by right-clicking the frost texture layer and selecting Create Clipping Mask.

Step 6: Add Cracks (Optional)

Create another new layer above the frost texture layer.

Select the Brush Tool (B) and choose a crack brush (you can find crack brushes online for free download).
Paint some cracks on the new layer.
Change the blend mode of the crack layer to Multiply and reduce the opacity to around 30%.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Add any final touches, like additional shadows or highlights, to enhance the effect.
Group all related layers (select the layers and press Ctrl + G) to keep your workspace organized.

Step 8: Save Your Work

Save your file in PSD format to keep all layers (File > Save As).

Export your image in the desired format (e.g., JPEG or PNG) (File > Export > Export As).

Your ICE text effect is now complete! The text should now have a frosty, icy appearance that stands out against your chosen background.