How to Create an Engraved Stone Text Effect in Adobe InDesign

You can't miss thisGames of Thrones-style type effect. Perfect for posters and social media that need to command attention, this effect is also super quick and easy to create using Adobe InDesign.

How to Create an Engraved Stone Text Effect in InDesign

To create this effect, you’ll need a simple stone background (trythis texture from PhotoDunefor a marble effector thisPixabaybackgroundfor a more grungy effect), and a chunky font (here I’ve usedCharlevoix Pro ExtraBold).

Step 1

Set up a new document inInDesign(File > New > Document) at A4 landscape size or a page size you prefer. Then create two layers,Backgroundbelow andTypeabove. LockTypeto work on theBackgroundlayer.

Take theRectangle Frame Tool (F)and drag to create an image frame that extends across the whole page. Go toFile > Place, choose your stone background image, and clickOpen. Allow it to fill the whole frame. Select the frame andEdit > Copy.

With the frame selected, go toObject > Effects > Transparency, bringing theOpacitydown to50%. ClickOKto exit the window.

Edit > Paste in Placea copy of the original stone image frame. Then head toObject > Effects > Gradient Feather. Set theTypetoRadial, allowing the gradient to get lighter towards the center of the page.

Step 2

Lock theBackgroundlayer and unlock theTypelayer above. Create a large text frame in the center of the page using theType Tool (T)and type in your text. Set theFonttoCharlevoix Pro ExtraBoldor your font of choice.

When you’re happy with the formatting of your text, head up toType > Create Outlinesto vectorize the text.Edit > Copythe vector to keep a copy to hand for a little later.

With the vector selected, go toFile > Place, choose the same stone background image as before, andOpen, allowing it to fill the whole text.

Go toObject > Effects > Transparencyand chooseMultiplyfrom theModemenu.

Click onInner Shadowand bring theOpacitydown to30%. Increase theChoketo45%andNoiseto30%, before clickingOK.

Step 3

Edit > Paste in Placeto drop a copy of the original vectorized text onto the page. From theSwatchespanel, create a new CMYK swatch that mimics some of the tones in the darker parts of your stone image. Using theEyedropper Tool (I)is a quick and simple way to find a suitable color. Here I’ve created a grey swatch,C=74 M=53 Y=39 K=29. Apply your new swatch to theFillof the new vector.

Go toObject > Effects > Transparencyand set theModeof the vector toMultiply.

Click onGradient Featherand create a-90 degree Lineargradient, creating a deep shadow effect inside the text.

Edit > CopyandEdit > Paste in Placethe vector, and then go toObject > Effects > Gradient Feather.Switch theAngleto90 degreesto flip the direction of the shadow effect.

ClickOK, and your engraved stone effect is complete. Awesome job!

Conclusion: Your Finished Type Effect

This sort of type effect brings a majestic, Games of Thrones-style touch to any design, but would look particularly striking on poster layouts or social media banners.

Looking formore display fontsfor your next project? Check out the range of headline typefaces available onGraphicRiverandEnvato Elements.