3 Step LetterPress Text Effect

An increasing trend in graphic design at the moment is the use of the Letterpress style, which we have utilized throughout our designs on this website. This style is a fantastic (and simple) way in which to create a clean, minimalist effect in your designs.

Follow this simple tutorial below, or alternatively if you’re not really the tutorial type, download the layered PSD file which we have provided below this post, and simply copy the layer style into your designs

1. Choose your Font:

Begin by typing out the desired text on a new PSD file. Choose your font carefully – the Letterpress style works better with a thick, bold font. We have used Myriad Pro, however for other quality, free fonts click here.

2. Apply the Layer Styles:

Apply the following Layer Styles to your text (Layer > Layer Style > …)

Drop Shadow:

Inner Shadow:

Gradient Overlay:

3. Apply a Background Gradient:

The Letterpress Technique looks better on vivid backgrounds, so choose a bright and vibrant gradient overlay to complete the image. Below we used colour #224d73 and #5bc7e0 to create an Adobe Photoshop CS4 style effect.

And that’s it, you’re done – an easy and painless text effect in under a minute. Download the layered PSD file below for additional letterpress styles.

Download Layered PSD File