How to Create a 3D Curved Text Effect in GIMP

In this tutorial, we'll explore how to create a 3D curved text effect in GIMP, adding a dynamic and professional touch to your text designs.

Step 1: Create a New Image

Start by opening GIMP and creating a new image. Go to File > New and set the image width to 1920 pixels and the height to 1080 pixels. Click OK to proceed.

Step 2: Add Text

Select the Text Tool and choose the font Anon at size 450. Click on the canvas to create a new text box and type your desired text. Use the Alignment Tool to center your text both horizontally and vertically relative to the image.

Step 3: Create a Path for Curved Text

To curve the text, you'll need to create a path. Select the Path Tool and click on the canvas to create two points. Drag the line between the points to form a curve. This curve will dictate how the text follows the path.

Step 4: Apply Text Along the Path

With the text layer selected, right-click and choose Text Along Path. This will apply your text along the curved path you just created. Now, hide the original text layer.

Step 5: Create a Transparent Layer

Create a new transparent layer by clicking on the new layer icon and selecting transparency as the fill type. Move the path to the center of the canvas using the Move Tool.

Step 6: Fill the Curved Text

Switch the foreground color to yellow (HTML notation: E6CC19). Then, with the path still selected, go to Edit > Fill Path. Choose "Solid Color" and enable antialiasing. This fills your text along the curved path with the chosen color.

Step 7: Add a Stroke to the Text

Switch the foreground color to black and select Stroke Path while the path is active. Set the stroke width to 10 pixels and click OK to apply.

Step 8: Final Adjustments

Go to the Paths Tab and hide the path to remove the red outline. Rotate the text using the Rotate Tool to ensure it is straight. Once aligned, crop the layer to its content by selecting Layer > Crop to Content.

Step 9: Create the 3D Effect

To create the 3D effect, go to Filters > Map > Recursive Transform. Increase the number of iterations to 16, and adjust the settings for scaling and rotating until you're satisfied with the effect.

Step 10: Design the Background

Select the background layer and choose a blue color (HTML notation: 48A5D8) for the foreground. Drag the color into the canvas. Create a new transparent layer and choose a light blue color (HTML notation: A1D2ED). Apply the "Blinds" filter with vertical orientation and a displacement of 54. Then, go to Filters > Distorts > Polar Coordinates to create a circular background effect.

Step 11: Finalize the Image

Rotate the text slightly if needed, crop the layer to its content, and align it. Finally, create a new visible layer from the combined elements. Your 3D curved text effect is now complete!

Watch the Tutorial

For a more detailed walkthrough, check out our YouTube video below. This video provides a visual guide to Create a 3D Curved Text Effect in GIMP.

 

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a stunning 3D curved text effect in GIMP, perfect for any design project.

 

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