Layered Supernova Text
Ever seen those warping space wallpapers? Ever wondered how they are created in photoshop? Well this simple tutorial will provide you with all the information you need! In this tutorial I will show you how to create a background and following on from that how to create supernova textured text.
Here is an example of what you will be creating:
More weaves are created with bigger image sizes
Click on both for bigger images. (These images can be created at any size you want with this method)
Background Section
Step 1,
Create a new document 750×750 or a size that suits you.
Step 2,
Theres a lot of filters in this tutorial so it is very easy to follow.
1. Press “D” to set the pallete colours to black and white, then go to Filter > Render > Clouds
2. Again, go to Filter > Pixelate > Mezzotint.
Now we need to blur the image to create a flying-through-space effect, go to Filter > Blur > Radial Blur.
Do this twice to smooth out the lines.
Step 3,
We need to duplicate this layer so right click on the layer and select Duplicate layer. On the second layer go to Filter > Distort > Twirl…
Now select the original layer and go to Filter > Distort > Twirl
Step 4,
At the moment we can’t see the original layer so change the blending mode of the duplicated layer to Lighten
Now both layers should be inter-weaving, time to colour it. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Hue/Saturation. Do this twice, move the layers so one adjustment layer is above the other supernova layer like this:
Right click on each adjustment layer and select Create Clipping Mask.
Step 5,
At the moment you’re image should look a little something like this:
Thats the end of the background section, any questions just comment!
Text Section
Step 6,
Select all the layers by shift-clicking the top and bottom layers. Right click on a layer and select Merge All. You should have all the previous tutorial in one layer now.
Step 7,
Create a new layer and select the text tool. Make sure the text is white and quite big and bold. Once you’ve typed in your text, exit the Type Tool mode and CTRL + Click the thumbnail of the text layer. This will create a selection of everything in the layer. Right click on the selection with the Marquee Tool (M) and select Feather. For a size of 2000 pixels you will need about 15 and for 750 about 5. I used 5.
Now click on the supernova layer and click the little button on the Layers Panel to mask it.
The image may look bad at the moment but create a new layer and fill it in with black. Move this layer to the bottom and move the Text layer underneath the masked layer. Now it should look good!
Step 8,
Create a new layer and CTRL + Click the text picture box again to get the selection of the text, then set the colour to white and grab the rectangle tool. Drag a rectangle around half of the text like so:
After that set the layer opacity to 35%.
Step 9,
Merge all the layers except the black background and duplicate the layer.
Select the duplicated layer and press SHIFT + T to free transform the layer. Right click on the selection and press Flip Vertical. Now bring down the text so it has a few pixels of space between the text.
Set the layer opacity to 70% and simply rub out the bottom part of the text with the eraser tool. Hold shift to keep the brush straight. Make sure the brush is quite big and has a hardness of 0.
Finish
Any questions? Just comment.
Click for full size
36 Responses to “Layered Supernova Text”
Chris said...
Great tutorial
StriderGax said...
This is a HOT tutorial! On a side note I found this site that is running a contest for tutorials called GuruShare (Google it). You might want to check them out. Thanks for the great work!
Wendy said...
Had a few problems following. Shift doesn’t keep the eraser straight in my version of Photoshop and Step 8 didn’t work properly. But the overall tutorial is good & loved the nova effect. Thanks.
Daniel said...
Hey, im looking in my filter>distort and i dont see twirl
Danny said...
What version of photoshop are you using? Make sure to hold shift and then click with the eraser tool.
Martin said...
Great tutorial! But however im stuck at step 7. Iv’e got the selection but what black mouse do you mean? Cant get it to work.
admin said...
On the toolset there is a black mouse, here is an image to show you. (Photoshop CS3) Should be similar for all versions though.
johnowenWMM said...
Same as above, what photoshop version are you using?
Cas said...
I can't reach the "Feather-option"!
I right click the made selection with the "black mouse" (move tool), but I can only choose either my layers or "Similar Layers".
photo retouching said...
I think if you call the "black mouse" the move tool, you would have less queries.
Sara said...
Pretty cool post. I just came by your blog and wanted to say
that I’ve really liked reading your blog posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you write again soon!
johnowenWMM said...
When you right-click on the selection, select the Marquee Tool (Hotkey M). This will provide you with the feather option.
johnowenWMM said...
Thanks, will do.
Luiz said...
Perfect tips, i recommend in the last step even use erase tool, create a new layer, use gradient tool, color black to none and create a clipping mask. Sounds easier. Thanx for the post.
Rick said...
Very nice tutorial!! I’ve made some very nice wallpapers using it!
Thank you!
KonstantinMiller said...
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
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Shubhojit said...
excellent tutorial
hesam said...
hey men
that is cool method
tanks
Rich James McPharlin said...
Hey
Layered Supernova Text , great article, really well though out and very much enjoyed.
Cheers
James said...
I saw the first part of this tutorial already on psdsession.com months ago.. why not credit the author, you use exactly the same steps and settings for the background.
admin said...
I’ve known this technique for ages, it’s not hard to work out. Get a random amount of black and white and then mezzo tint and blur, I’ve got the inspiration from many internet & space posters.
Habit said...
Great tutorial I love it
Definitely a favorite of mines. thnx again!!!
Kelinci said...
Your posting very nice & artistic. Thanks.
Jess said...
Very cool! Step 4 gave me some pause, but I think it’s because I’m using a different version. I was able to get past it with pretty good results, though… That is, up until step 8 where I am lost COMPLETELY.
Is anyone still monitoring this thread? May I post a VERY lengthy question regarding step 8, or is there a better way to get clarification on it?
John Owen said...
Yes I am still monitoring this post Jess, what is your question?
Jess said...
Awesome. I need a little clarification on what to do at each of the sub-steps to step 8. Okay, here goes:
(Note I am using CS2, could be part of my problem.)
A. Create new layer. — I was assuming from the wording that this is a new blank layer (not a duplicate of the existing text layer)… except that step 9 references a “duplicate layer”. Me <–LOST!
B. CTRL+click text picture box. — Assuming this is the original layer where I typed my text.
C. Set color to white. — Whuh?
D. Grab the rectangle tool. — Uh… ok…
E. Drag a rectangle… — Where? The original text layer or the new blank layer (or is that supposed to be a duplicate layer…)? Well, guess it doesn't matter cos anywhere I drag it deselects the CTRL+clicked selection I did on the original text layer, creates a new selection box and nothing else happens…. *scratches head*
F. … set layer opacity to 35% — Assuming this would be the "new" layer.
I am fairly new to photoshop, so please forgive me if I'm overlooking something obvious! Plus I can be kind of dense anyway, lol!
Thanks!
John Owen said...
Hi Jess, sorry for all the confusion. Step 8 is all about applying a simple gloss effect to the text.
That is why I have created a video to help you with this tutorial. This video will teach you how to apply gloss effects to text. The video has been created in the same style as Step 8 so there shouldn’t be any problems.
Create A Glossy Text Effect
If there are problems don’t hesitate to comment on this post again.
Regards, John Owen
Jess said...
Ah!!! Thanks so much John! I think I was using the Rectangular Marquee… and then I overanalyzed the process. *blushes* Told you I was a novice.
Awesome little video. Thanks again.
John Owen said...
No problem Jess
Alya said...
Hey , im stuck at number 5 . Can use Photoshop CS3 ?
John Owen said...
Yes you can, are you sure the blending modes are set to the right mode?
Chavez said...
nice stuff……easy to follow and easy to customize
Star said...
I am stuck here… and I don’t know why..
Right click on the selection with the Marquee Tool (M) and select Feather. For a size of 2000 pixels you will need about 15 and for 750 about 5. I used 5.
When I ctrl and click I do highlight the entire thing .. however after feather I get this message…
No pixels are more than 50% selected, the selection edges will not be visible.
So then I complete the rest of it.. and I get white text on the colored background.
What am I doing wrong. I am using the new Photoshop CS4 that I got as a present from my family on my BDay.
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Alex said...
On Step 7 I need major help. When I go to apply the white rectangle it puts the white in between the letters. How do I get it to only apply it to the letters?!?!? I watched the video with no added help.