Photoshop Text Effect Tutorial {Light Burst}

Play Video

Guess what? It’s time for another spectacular Photoshop text effect tutorial! This time, you’re going to learn how to create a burst of light people from behind your text!

It’s going to be awesome! So, if you’re ready to master this text effect, let’s do it.

Note: the (above) video tutorial was created with Photoshop beginners in mind. The following step-by-step instructions are for more experienced users.

Step 1: Create Your Document

Guess what you have to do first? Yep, create a new document in Photoshop. My settings; 1920×1080 @ 300ppi. For the background, I’d like to use an almost black color; #050505.

Step 2: Create Your Text and Align It

I love the font used for this text effect. It’s called Blue Highway Linocut, and it’s free! For the size, let’s use 110pt and white for the color.

Having text effects like this centered on the canvas enhances the design. So, let’s center it. Hold down your Command or Ctrl key and click on the Background layer to have both your layers selected.

Find your Move Tool (V) and navigate to the tool options. This is where your alignment tools are located. Click on the two icons with the following labels; Align horizontal center + Align vertical center.

Boom! Your text is now aligned to the center of your canvas. Before moving on, click anywhere on your canvas to deselect the layers.

Step 3: Style Your Text

The color white is boring. Wouldn’t you agree? Let’s spice up this text effect by choosing a funky, orange gradient.

Double click on your text layer to reveal the Layer Styles window. In the left panel, choose Bevel & Emboss. Here are the settings I’ve selected;

Inner Bevel
Smooth
Depth is 115%
Direction is Up
Size is 6px
Soften is 1px
Everything else is set to the defaults

Gradient Overlay

Now for the Gradient overlay. Here these settings;

Opacity is 100%
Style is Linear
Angle is 90-degrees
Reverse is turned on + Align with Layer
The first color = #dc571c
The second color = #7d2d05

Step 4: Create the Light Burst Effect

Now the fun begins! It’s time to create a burst of light. Are you excited yet? Ok, let’s do it.

Duplicate the text layer with Command or Ctrl + J. Rename the layer Burst of Light 1. Now right-click on the layer and Convert to a Smart Object.

Let’s blur it! Filter > Blur > Radial Blur with; Zoom, Best, and 100 for the Amount. Apply the Radial Blur again with the following keyboard shortcut;

Although I like the current light effect, I’d like to intensify it a bit. Let’s do that by duplicating this layer. Rename it Burst of Light 2. Let’s also change the Blending Mode to Linear Dodge.

While I’m thinking of it, let’s change the Blend Mode to Linear Dodge for the Burst of Light 1 layer. One more thing. We need more light. What do you think?

Click on your Background layer and create a new layer with Shift + Command or Ctrl + N. Name it Debris.

We’re going to apply a brushstroke as the basis of our light. For this project, I have a specific brush in mind. Download these free brushes and install them.

The brush we’re going to use is called “debris 14.” Select it and size it to 3500. Now, change the foreground color to this bright orange; #ffae26.

Ok, click in the center of your canvas to apply the brush stroke. Apply your Radial Blur again with the shortcuts provided earlier. Boom, more light! How cool is that? I love it!

Now What?

Congratulations on finishing creating a light burst around your text! Now, I’d like to see your finished text effect. Here’s how; join our private Facebook group to share your artwork. It’s a fantastic place to share, learn, and improve your Photoshop skills.

Ready to up your Photoshop skills even further? If so, discover all my premium Photoshop tutorials and or my free Photoshop tutorials.

Discover many more Photoshop text effect tutorials via this playlist that includes over 20 more designs you can master today!

Oh, and check this out… 17 free Photoshop alternatives!

Like this article? If so, please share!