Outline Text in Photoshop (Selection + Expand + Fill)

Outlining text is great for emphasis and readability. This method uses a selection from your text, expands it to set the outline width, and fills the outline on a separate layer for easy control. Adjust the expand value to change stroke thickness.

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Step-by-step instructions

1

Type and position your text

  • Select the Type Tool (T) and enter your text.

  • Move or transform the text into position as needed.

2

Create a new layer beneath the text

  • Click the New Layer button in the Layers panel.

  • Drag the new layer below the text layer.

3

Load the text as a selection

  • Right-click the text layer’s thumbnail and choose Select Pixels.

4

Expand the selection to set outline thickness

  • Go to Select → Modify → Expand.

  • Set Expand By to 3 px (or your preferred width) and click OK.

5

Fill the outline on the lower layer

  • Select the lower layer (beneath the text).

  • Click the Foreground Color swatch and choose your outline color; click OK.

  • Choose the Paint Bucket Tool (G) and click inside the selection.

  • Press Ctrl+D (Cmd+D) to deselect.

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