Here we’re going to show you how to create a text effect based on the 3D glass icons on IconsETC.
First you will need to download the two textures below and convert them into photoshop patterns for later. To do this simply open each image then go to EDIT >> DEFINE PATTERN in the menu. Alternatively, if you’ve downloaded the source files at the end of this post, simply install the pattern set entitled reflective-brushed-metal-tut.pat by double clicking on it.)
Create a new transparent document 880px * 540px at 72dpi as seen below.
To keep our psd file organized first click on the folder icon in the layer pallet 3 times to create three folders and name them FRAME, TEXT, and BACKGROUND respectively.
Create a new layer within the FRAME folder and name it frame. Activate the shape tool by typeing U, make sure the rectangular shape tool is selected, then draw out a square similar to the one below, leaving a little room on the top and bottom.
Activate the by going to LAYER >> LAYER STYLE >> BLENDING OPTIONS in the menu and enter the settings below.
Create a new layer above the frame layer, activate the text tool by typeing T, then enter the settings below and type out a title.
Within the BACKGROUND folder create a new pattern fill layer by going to LAYER >> NEW FILL LAYER >> PATTERN in the menu in the menu and choose the smoky pattern you installed in step #1 as seen below.
Open the layer styles dialog box on the pattern layer by going to LAYER >> LAYER STYLE >> BLENDING OPTIONS in the menu and enter the settings below.
Within the TEXT folder now, create a new text layer, activate the text tool by typeing T and type in some text with the settings below. If you would like to use the font we are using here you can get it for free on Dafont.com.
Duplicate the text layer you just created by going to LAYER >> DUPLICATE LAYER then open up the layer styles pallet on the top text layer by going to LAYER >> LAYER STYLE >> BLENDING OPTIONS in the menu and enter the settings below.
Open up the layer styles pallet on the bottom text layer and enter the settings you see below.
You should now have something similar to what you see below.
What’s Included in the Download
- Fully layered source PSD
- .ASL file containing the layer styles needed to create the glass effect
- .PAT file with all patterns needed for the tutorial – ready to install!
- .JPG files of all patterns used
- BONUS: 36 fully layered popular icons in this style.