Text Layers

Add text as a layer by using the Text tool. Adjusting the opacity of the text creates a watermark effect, which is useful for placing copyright information on photos.

Images with text layers can be saved as .gsd files, which allow layers to remain editable for future work on the image using Gemstone.

Layer effects can be added to text layers.

To add text as a layer:

  1. Select the Text tool from the Toolbar.
  2. Click a text destination area in the image. A text box is added to the image and a text layer appears at the top of the Layers pane.
  3. Click and drag the text marquee to reposition the text anywhere on the image, or drag the marquee's handles to resize the text. In the Context bar above the image, select or enter a specific point size in the Size field.

    4. Press the Shift key while resizing to transform the text without maintaining aspect ratio.

  4. Type a text message in the text box. Each time another text box is added, a new text layer is added to the Layers pane. Selecting a text layer on an image also selects the layer in the Layers pane.
  5. In the Context bar, use the drop-down menus to specify the font and formatting options, such as italics or justification, and the color of the text.
  6. At the top of the Layers pane, drag the Opacity slider to specify the transparency of the text.
  7. At the top of the Layers pane, select an option from the Blend Mode drop-down list to specify the amount of blend between the text and the underlying image.

Filters cannot be entered while a text layer is selected. Trying to enter a filter will prompt a warning asking to rasterize the text layer. The text layer will no longer be editable after rasterizing.

While text layers cannot be merged with other text layers, text can be merged with regular image layers, which rasterizes the text. The text layer will no longer be editable after rasterizing.

Adjustment layers can be added above text layers and clipped directly to text layers. See Using Adjustment Layers.

It is possible to add a mask to a text layer, but if the text layer is moved, only the text layer will be moved.

Select the text layer to modify a text layer, including customizing style settings.

Typical keyboard shortcuts, such as Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + A, etc, will work in text boxes. It is also possible to use Home, End, Ctrl + Home, and Ctrl + End to move the cursor to the beginning or end of the text.

Use Ctrl + Z to undo recent changes when editing within a text box. However, using the Undo/Redo buttons will undo and redo entire text actions, such as adding a text box.

 

Apply Alt codes in text boxes using the following keyboard shortcuts to add copyright information to your images:

® (Registration symbol)

Alt + 0174

© (Copyright symbol)

Alt + 0169

™ (Trademark Symbol)

Alt + 0153

Rasterizing Text

It is good practice to select multiple text layers and rasterize once, rather than rasterizing layer by layer.

To rasterize text:

With a text layer selected, do one of the following:

  • Select Layer | Rasterize Text Layer from the main menu.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + T.
  • Right-click a text layer in the Layers pane and select Rasterize Layer from the context menu.