How to Add Highlights to Text Using GIMP

Adding highlights to text can enhance its appearance, making it stand out with a dynamic, 3D effect. Follow these steps to add highlights to text in GIMP:

Step 1: Create a New Image

Start by setting up your workspace:

1. Go to File > New.
2. Set the image width to 1920 pixels and height to 1080 pixels.
3. Click OK to create the new image.

Step 2: Fill the Background

Set the background color:

1. Drag the Foreground Color to the desired black color.
2. Use the Bucket Fill Tool to fill the layer with black.

Step 3: Add Text

Insert and format your text:

1. Select the Text Tool (T).
2. Choose the font B Gazai and set the size to 450.
3. Change the text color to orange with the HTML notation #FF9C00.
4. Click on the canvas to create a text box and type your text.

Step 4: Center the Text

Align the text to the center of the image:

1. Select the Alignment Tool.
2. Click on the text layer.
3. Set the alignment to Relative to Image for both horizontal and vertical alignment.

Step 5: Adjust the Image Size

Resize the text layer to fit the image:

1. Right-click on the text layer.
2. Choose Layer to Image Size.

Step 6: Apply the GIMIC Filter

Add highlights and shadows using the GIMIC filter:

1. Go to Filters > G'MIC.

2. In the search bar, type Illuminate 2D Shape and select it.

3. Adjust the settings as follows:

   • Erosion: Controls the amount of 3D effect. Reduce if needed.
   • Smoothness: Adjusts the smoothness of highlights and shadows.
   • Bump Factor: Controls the light and shadow effects.
   • Resolution: Set to 512.
   • Blending Mode: Choose Hard Light. You can also experiment with other modes like Overlay or Grain Merge.
   • Opacity: Set to 75.
   • Ambient: Adjusts the 3D effect.
   • Diffuse: May not have a noticeable effect; adjust as needed.
   • Specular: Controls the shine on the text.
   • Shininess: Adjust to control the intensity of highlights.
   • Flatness: Adjusts the smoothness of the text appearance.
   • Light X, Y, Z: Control the direction of the light source.

4. Ensure Active is checked under Input Layers to apply the filter to the text layer.

5. Check New Layer under Output Mode to create a new layer with the effect.

6. Click OK to apply the filter.

Step 7: Merge and Apply Bevel

Combine the layers and add a bevel effect:

1. Merge the text layer with the highlighted layer by clicking the Merge icon.
2. Go to Filters > Artistic > Decor > Add Bevel.
3. Uncheck Work on Copy, keep Bump Layer checked.
4. Set the thickness to 5 pixels and click OK.

Step 8: Adjust Text Color

Change the text color if desired:

1. Go to Colors > Hue-Saturation.
2. Adjust the Hue to change the text color, or modify Lightness and Saturation for more control.
3. Click OK to apply the changes.

Step 9: Finalize the Image

Create a final version of the image:

1. Right-click on the layer and select New from Visible to create a merged view of all layers.

Watch the Tutorial

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our YouTube video below. This video provides a visual guide toAdd Highlights to Text Using GIMP.

And that’s how you can add highlights to text in GIMP! This technique adds depth and visual interest to your text.

 

Font Link : Click Me

Download GIMP : Click Me

Download G'MIC : Click Me
 

Feel free to ask any questions or leave a comment below. Happy designing!