Adding Text

[David_H_...@adobeforums.com]

Can anyone help me out on adding text to an image. I have followed the instructions in both books and videos on how to add text (using the text tool) and when I get to the point of typing text in, it doesn't go 'in'. The box that I assume it should show up in just stares at me - blank. What am I missing?

[John Joslin]

What OS version? What PS version? Exactly what are you doing? We don't have the book you have!

[Ed Hannigan]

Also, what is the size and color of the Type you are specifying and what is the resolution of the file? Does your text appear in the Layers palette?

Could be any number of things.

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

change the mode from index color to rgb and use the type tool.

image> image mode

[David_H_...@adobeforums.com]

OK, got it: I neeed to provide more detailed info. (I just got PS CS4 Sunday [two days ago] and so, only just started using the forums in the last couple of days. I'll work on the clarity of my questions. Thanks.)

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

so what was it?

only just started using the forums in the last couple of days

welcome! :)

[Geoff_K...@adobeforums.com]

David, if you are still learning PS, I suggest that you click on Help, Photoshop Help (or press f1) which will take you to the Adobe web site. At the top of the right column you can go to the manual where you will find lots of information about how to do things in Photoshop. There is also a lot of tutorials on the web site. Keep you busy for a few months.
Geoff.

[David_H_...@adobeforums.com]

OK, I'll try the Help option (and the tutorials). I purchased a couple of 'beginner' books but I'm realizing that they have their limitations.

(dave m - I'm at work so I don't have all the answers posed above. I'll know more this evening.)

[dave_...@adobeforums.com]

no prob. feel free to ask here when you're stuck with your own stuff. i learned a lot just reading threads here, even seemingly unrelated ones. good luck.

[Buko]

Is you text layer under another layer so you can't see it?

[BILL...@adobeforums.com]

David,

Also, there are basically two types of Text: Paragraph Text, where you first drag a Text Box, and what I'll call "Open Text," 'cause I'm having a brain cramp and cannot come up with the proper syntax. There are some differences in the behavior of the two. The manual (do they still ship those, or is F1 the only recourse nowadays?), should make the distinctions clear.

Also, when Text does not behave, as you think it should, look at your Layers Palette. Since about version 5, PS creates a Text Layer, when you start using the Text Tool. Make sure that you are in the correct Layer. If it doesn't seem to be working still, Dbl-click the icon with the T in the correct Layer. You should see your Text selected/highlighted. With the Text Tool, you can edit, or add to from there. This gets you on the correct Layer. If you first just click with the Text Tool, you are most likely creating a new Text Layer, which is not what you want, if you intend to edit, or add to existing Text. Always keep the Layers Palette open and in view. When things don't work, check to see just which Layer is active. That is NOT just for Text, but for almost everything in PS.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes. I also like the "Classroom in a Book" series from Adobe Press. They step you though many aspects of PS in little "projects." They are fun, expose you to things that you might not find for a bit, and are highly informative.

Hunt

[David_H_...@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Hunt. I'll try your suggestions when I get home tonight. (I had good luck with two other questions I asked yesterday but I'm still struggling with 'text'.)

As a total aside - and for whoever is reading this - I am amazed at the generosity of people in these forums. I have only been doing this for a few days but I am stunned (I can't think of another word) at how generous people are with information, and how friendly the tone of this forum is. (I believe you're not suppoed to pontificate on these sites but I just had to say that! I promise I won't do it again.)

[David_H_...@adobeforums.com]

I finally had some luck last night and the solution was so simple. I had previously immediately opened a 'box' with the text tool. And I was working on images that were very small. In fact, I think the text was there but it was so small it appeared as a line.

So, last night first I looked at the Image Size, learned more about the image, set the font size accordingly and then simply clicked (without opening a box), started typing and voila! there was my text.

And yes, working with Layers helped tremendously to 'see' what was on the image.

(Hunt, I'll try the 'Classroom in a Book' series.)

Thanks!