How to Create a 3D Text Effect Action: Photoshop in 60 Seconds

Welcome to our Photoshop in 60 Seconds series, in which you can
learn a Photoshop skill, feature, or technique in just a minute!

Photoshop in 60 Seconds: 3D Text Action

The 3D functions available in Adobe Photoshop open up a world of endless possibilities for creators. And you can apply amazing 3D text effects to your designs with a fast Photoshop action. In this short video, I'll show you how to create a Photoshop action that creates a stunning 3D effect you can use for any project.

Browse the incredible selection of Text Effect Actions available through GraphicRiver and Envato Elements for faster results. 

How to Create a 3D Text Action

Create a New Document at any size; mine is at 1000x750 pixels. Then go to Window > Actions and create a new Group and Action dedicated to your 3D effect. Hit the Record button when you're ready to record the next steps.

Fill the background with a dark gray color using the Paint Bucket Tool (G). Use the Text Tool (T) to write out your light gray text at a Size of 300 pt. Make a Duplicate (Control-J) of your text, and then Hide the copy for later.

Right-click the background layer and select Postcard. Then select the text layer and go to 3D > New 3D Extrusion From Selected Layer. Select both visible layers and hold Control-E to Merge them together.

For a simple effect, go to Environment on the 3D panel, adjusting the Color Intensity to 164% and the Shadow Softness to 25%. Next, select 3D > Render 3D Layer and allow the text to render before Rasterizing the 3D layer. 

When it's complete, unhide the 3D text copy, adjust the size to fit, and use the Blending Options to add color, shadows, or colorful gradients. And don't forget to hit Stop on the Actions palette to use this action for later projects.

Here's the final result.

5 Premium Text Effect Actions & Layer Styles

Want more actions? For mind-blowing text effects and more, browse the amazing
selection of Text Effect Actions available to you through GraphicRiver and Envato Elements. And check out a few of our favorites below!

3D Text Action Pack

Create gorgeous metallic text effects in only a few clicks! This brilliant package features six different actions with a superb selection of shadows and reflections to choose from. A help file is also included to guide you through the process with an informative video.

1-Click Action: Las Vegas 3D Text Generator

Short on time? Make the most out of your efforts with a Photoshop action that gets the job done with just one click! This well-rounded action includes five stunning styles for six different actions. An additional brush set is also included to help complete this effect.

3D Wood Generator - Actions

Make life a whole lot easier with this pack of 3D Photoshop actions. Designed to give your text or vector shapes a realistic wood finish, this pack includes 36 high-resolution actions with four wooden styles. You can even change the depth and perspective for more fun options!

Retro Vintage Text Styles

Mix your love of retro design with exciting 3D styles. This pack includes 10 vintage-inspired graphic styles perfect for headers, logos, and so much more. Customize your text easily with these fully editable files and enjoy additional vintage backgrounds to complete your next project.

3D Metal & Gold Effects

Create fancy text effects that dazzle your audience! This amazing pack includes 10 beautiful gold and metal layer styles we're sure you'll love! Just add your text to the easy-to-use smart objects and enjoy wonderful metallic effects in no time at all!

60 Seconds?!

This is part of a series of quick video tutorials on
Envato Tuts+ in which we introduce a range of subjects, all in 60
seconds—just enough to whet your appetite. Let us know in the comments
what you thought of this video and what else you'd like to see explained
in 60 seconds!