Create 3D Text in Photoshop (Smart Objects + Layer Styles)
This method produces a sharp, editable 3D text effect you can recolor or swap for a logo in seconds. You’ll set up a Smart Object for the text, create the base 3D form with Bevel & Emboss, generate extrusion via duplicate transforms, then polish with gradients, stroke, glow, and a final lighting pass.
Step-by-step instructions
Set up the document and background
Go to File → New and create a document (e.g., 1500 × 1000 px).
Add a Gradient on the background for a smooth backdrop, then rename the layer to keep organized.
Create an editable Smart Object for the text
Click the plus icon in the Layers panel to add a new layer.
Right‑click the new layer → Convert to Smart Object.
Double‑click the Smart Object thumbnail to open it in a new document.
Type your text, resize, and center with the Move Tool (V). Press Ctrl+S to save, then return to the main document.
Build the base 3D form with Layer Styles
Right‑click the Smart Object layer → Blending Options.
Enable Color Overlay and choose a dark gray base.
Enable Bevel & Emboss: Style: Inner Bevel; Technique: Smooth; Depth: 1000%; Direction: Up; Size: 0 px; Soften: 1 px; Angle: 90°; Altitude: 10°; untick Use Global Light.
Highlight Mode: Normal, medium gray, 100%; Shadow Mode: Normal, black, 100%. Click OK.
Create the extrusion with duplicate transform
Press Ctrl+T to enter Free Transform.
Nudge the text 1 px opposite your intended extrusion direction (e.g., Up and Left once for a Right/Down extrusion); press Enter.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+T repeatedly to duplicate the transform until the extrusion depth looks right.
Rename the topmost Smart Object layer to Main layer. Select all duplicated layers beneath it through the bottom Smart Object, press Ctrl+G to group, and rename the group to Extrusion.
Color and refine the main face
Right‑click Main layer → Blending Options.
Untick Color Overlay, then enable Gradient Overlay and pick a gradient (e.g., blue tones).
Open Bevel & Emboss: Style: Inner Bevel; Technique: Chisel Hard; Depth: ~150%; Direction: Up; Size: 2 px; Soften: 0 px; Angle: 90°; Altitude: 30°; Highlight: Screen, white, ~70–80%; Shadow: Multiply, black, ~70%.
Enable Contour: choose an S‑curve, tick Anti‑aliased, Range: 100%.
Add stroke and subtle glow
Enable Stroke: Fill Type: Gradient; set first stop dark gray, second stop light gray; Size: ~2 px; Position: Inside; Blend Mode: Lighten; Opacity: 100%; Overprint: On; Style: Linear; Angle: 90°; Scale: 150%; Method: Classic.
Enable Outer Glow (or similar): pick blue; Blend Mode: Screen; Opacity: ~70%; Size: ~7–8 px. Click OK.
Add a drop shadow to the extrusion
Open the Extrusion group and select the bottommost Smart Object layer.
Double‑click the layer → Enable Drop Shadow and adjust distance, size, and opacity to taste.
Click OK and rename this layer to Shadow.
Finish with a global lighting gradient
Select all project layers (Main layer, Extrusion group, background) and press Ctrl+G to group. Rename to 3D effect.
Double‑click the group → Gradient Overlay: Preset: Black to White; Blend Mode: Soft Light; Dither: On; Opacity: ~70%; Style: Linear; Angle: 140°; Scale: 50%; Method: Classic. Click OK.
Swap the text for a logo (optional)
Open the 3D effect group, then double‑click the Main layer thumbnail to edit the Smart Object.
Go to File → Place Embedded, choose your logo, place and center it, press Enter.
Press Ctrl+S to save the Smart Object, then return—your 3D effect updates automatically.
