Photoshop tips and tricks..

Creating Glowing Objects Without Filters

To create a glowing object, you must begin with a distinct object or text string on its own layer. Duplicate that layer.

Choose a color for your "glow". Then, making sure that the lower duplicate is selected, choose Edit (from the top menu) then Stroke. On the Stroke Options pop-up, set a pixel width between 1 and 16 (the larger you choose, the thicker your glow will be) and make sure that the "Outside" option (under "Location") is checked.

Now apply a Gaussian Blur (Filters | Blur | Gaussian Blur) to that layer to soften the glow.

You can even repeat the process with that layer if you want to, resulting in a double glow.

Return to Tips and Tricks.

Send comments to missy@stablegirl.com.