Create a Realistic Paper Cutout Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a Realistic Paper Cutout Text Effect in Photoshop

Elevate your typography with a realistic paper cutout effect. This Photoshop tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to adding depth and dimension to your custom lettering designs.

Learn how to craft intricate shadows and highlights, transforming flat text into a stunning, layered paper artwork.

Watch the Video

Video by Made by Mighty. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Paper Cutout Effects

Master the subtle nuances of light and shadow to achieve a convincing paper cutout look in Photoshop.

  • Create a new Photoshop document at 3000x3000 pixels with an RGB color mode for optimal digital use.
  • Apply a subtle paper pattern overlay to your background with `Linear Burn` at 30% opacity, complemented by a `Gradient Overlay` set to Overlay at 25% opacity and a 65° angle.
  • Start the cutout illusion on your lettering layer using `Bevel and Emboss` (Inner Bevel, Size 250px, Soften 16px, Angle -145°) and `Inner Shadow` (Normal, White, 20% opacity, Distance 1px, Size 1px, 5% Noise).
  • Generate light reflections by duplicating the lettering layer, setting its `Fill` to 0%, and applying `Outer Bevel` (Size 50px, Soften 16px, Angle 55°, Altitude 0°, Overlay, 45% opacity) for realistic edge highlights.
  • Add depth shadows by duplicating layers, applying `Outer Bevel` (Outer Bevel, Size 38px, Angle -145°, Multiply, Black, 25% opacity), and using `Gaussian Blur` with progressively increasing radii for diffused, realistic internal shadows.

Explore more creative techniques to apply paper-inspired designs and effects in Photoshop.

Create a Paper Cut Out Illustration Effect in Photoshop
In this engaging tutorial, Nemanja Sekulic guides you through the process of creating striking paper cut-out illustrations from scratch in Photoshop. The video demonstrates a straightforward approach to achieving this effect, starting with basic techniques and building up to a detailed and dynamic result. Nemanja breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from initial setup to final adjustments. You'll learn how to manipulate layers, use clipping masks, and apply tex
Leafy Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial
In this tutorial by Spoon Graphics, you'll learn how to create a text covered with leaves in Adobe Photoshop. The tutorial guides you through the process of designing text made up of tiny leaves, vines, and water droplets. While the tools and techniques used are straightforward, the tutorial emphasizes the importance of patience in achieving a complex and detailed final result. The outcome is a stunning and intricate piece of eco-themed artwork that showcases the beauty of nature. Watch tutor
How to Create a Folded Paper Text Effect in Photoshop
In this tutorial by New Layer, you'll learn how to create a folded paper text effect in Photoshop, where the letters look like they're peeling up from the page. The tutorial provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you can achieve a realistic and engaging effect. This technique adds a unique sense of depth and dimension to your text designs, making them stand out as if they were physically lifting off the page. Perfect for adding a creative
Create ripped paper portrait effect in Photoshop
This video will show you how to create a captivating ripped paper photo manipulation effect. Learn how to create a realistic tear that reveals a hidden image beneath, effectively layering two portraits into one unique composition. The video will guide you through using layer masks and selection tools to achieve a seamless tear effect, while also exploring techniques for adding texture and depth to the "paper" for a believable final outcome. Watch tutorial

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

When to Use Saturation vs Vibrance for Better Color Enhancement

While vibrance gets praised for being "gentler" than saturation, the reality is more nuanced. Saturation works like a universal volume knob, boosting all colors equally, while vibrance acts like a smart equalizer, selectively enhancing less saturated areas first. Understanding when each approach serves your creative vision makes the...

How to Check Your Generative Fill Credit Balance in Photoshop

Keeping track of your AI credit usage becomes essential when working with premium generative features. Understanding your remaining balance helps you budget your edits and avoid unexpected interruptions during important projects. The credit system divides features into standard tools (like basic generative fill) that don't consume credits, and...

How to Create Realistic Depth Blur Effects in Photoshop

Creating professional depth of field effects can transform flat images into dynamic photographs with natural-looking focus transitions. Two powerful methods in Photoshop offer different advantages: Neural Filters provide automated depth detection with atmospheric effects like haze, while Camera Raw Filter delivers precise manual control with customizable bokeh shapes. Both techniques...

Three Professional Methods to Fix White Balance in Photoshop

Color casts can ruin even the best photographs, making whites appear yellow, blue, or green instead of neutral. Poor white balance destroys the natural look of your images and creates an unprofessional appearance that's immediately noticeable to viewers. These three techniques provide increasingly precise control over white balance...

Creating Dark Moody Wildlife Photo Edits in Photoshop

Dark, moody wildlife photography transforms ordinary animal portraits into dramatic, atmospheric pieces that capture the mystery and power of nature. This editing approach combines strategic lighting placement, careful color grading, and atmospheric effects to create compelling images that draw viewers into the scene. The workflow begins with essential noise reduction...

How to Create Professional Photo Composites in Photoshop

Creating compelling photo composites requires more than simply placing images together. This comprehensive tutorial demonstrates how to blend multiple elements seamlessly, from matching lighting and color to painting realistic shadows and highlights. The project showcases a dramatic scene inspired by Stranger Things, combining buildings, characters, and atmospheric effects with precise...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.