Create a Quick & Dirty Glass Text Effect in Photoshop

Starting off

To start this tutorial off, create a new document 500 px by 500 px and create a radial gradient in the center of the image with the colors #1F283C to #000000

Step One

Create a new layer and type out whatever you want using the color #304678 as the text color

Step Two

Now we are going to start applying layer styles to the text. They all do something very minimal to the text, but when combined properly, they can make your text look virtually any way you want it to. First off we want to apply a drop shadow. This will add some depth to the text and give the the appearance that it is casting a shadow. Set the opacity to around 60% so it doesn’t look too harsh and set the size of it to around 35px (this will vary depending on your image size) so it isn’t so sharp around the edges and looks diffused as if the light were actually passing through real glass.

Step Three

Now we are going to be adding an inner shadow. This is going to mimic the light flaring off of the edges of the glass. Use the color #4769b4 for this color and be sure to set the blend mode to screen to give it a lighter effect, because if it is set to darken or multiply, it will not appear to be a light blue like we want it to be, it will just be a shade of grey.

Step Four

Next we want to apply our outer glow, this will continue adding to the look of the text having depth. Use the color #84B2FF and set the opacity to around 25% so it doesn’t distract from the overall image.

Step Five

Now we are going to apply the inner glow. This is going to give the center of the text a “bubbled out” look and apply a little more color to the text. For the inner glow, use the color #8391CF, a blending mode of overlay, and an opacity of 45%. This will add depth but will still be subtle.

Step Six

Now we are going to be adding a bevel and contour to the image. This is going to further add a rounded and glasslike shape to the text and make it look more realistic. Copy the settings I have used below for the bevel and the contour.

Step Seven

Now we are going to add a satin style to the text. This is going to give it the look of having light refracting off of its surface in a way that is consistent with the look of glass.

Step Eight

The last style we are going to apply to the text is a 1 px stroke around the edges of the text, which will give it the appearance of being a solid object with actual boundaries. Set it to 1 px width, an outside position, an opacity of 45%, and a color of #9BAEFF.

Step Nine

The last thing we need to do to complete our text effect is create a little reflection on the top half of the letters. First create a new layer, then select the circular marquee tool and make a selection like I have below.

Now fill that selection with the color white.

Now, on the layers window, press ctrl + right click on your text layer to select the text. And then select your white oval layer like I have below.

Now right click inside your selection of the text, and choose the option “select inverse” to select the exact opposite of what you have selected. (see below if you are confused)

Now press the delete button, and this should delete everything except what is laying on top of the text. You should see something like I have below.

Now all we need to do is set that layer’s blending mode to soft light, and the opacity to 40%.

Final Result

Now you are all done! Below is my final image from following these exact steps. I hope you found this tutorial helpful and easy to follow, if you are in any way confused or not sure how to do something in this tutorial, shoot me a comment. Also, the PSD of this file is provided for download below. Enjoy!