How to Add and Edit Text in Photoshop
In this tutorial, you’ll add text to an image in Photoshop and learn essential formatting tools. You’ll switch between horizontal and vertical type, style text with the Character and Paragraph panels, align it to other layers, and add simple effects. By the end, you can confidently place and style text on any image.
Step-by-step instructions
Create a text layer (horizontal or vertical)
Select the Type Tool (T) from the toolbar; click-and-hold to choose Horizontal Type Tool or Vertical Type Tool.
Click on the canvas to create a text box.
Type your text (e.g., “Sun and Beach”).
To switch orientation later, click the Toggle text orientation in the Options bar.
Format text from the Options bar
Press Ctrl+A (Cmd+A on Mac) to select all the text.
Choose a Font family and Style; set a Font Size.
Set alignment: Left, Center, or Right.
Click the color swatch and set the text color to White.
Optional: Click the Warp Text icon (or go to Type → Warp Text) and try styles like Arc or Flag; click Cancel to keep default.
Commit and reposition the text
Click the checkmark (Commit) in the Options bar to apply edits.
Select the Move Tool (V).
Drag to position the text where you want it on the image.
Refine typography in Character and Paragraph panels
Open Window → Character.
Toggle options like Faux Bold, All Caps, or Small Caps as needed.
Open the panel menu and choose Reset Character if you need to revert settings.
Open Window → Paragraph and set alignment (e.g., Align Center).
Edit or add additional lines of text
In the Layers panel, double-click the text layer thumbnail to edit.
Press Enter/Return to add a new line and type “Relax and Enjoy Holiday.”
Select the new text and set a smaller Font Size and a different Font if desired.
Align text to other layers
Ctrl/Cmd-click to select both the text layer and the background (or another reference) layer in the Layers panel.
With the Move Tool active, use the align icons in the Options bar (e.g., Align Horizontal Centers, Align Vertical Centers).
Add layer effects (optional)
Double-click the text layer to open Layer Style.
Enable Drop Shadow and adjust to taste.
Optional: Enable Bevel & Emboss if desired.
Click OK to apply the effects.
