Quick Tip: Create a Cut-Out Text Effect in Adobe Photoshop (while keeping the text editable)

We’re going to create a very simple cut-out effect in Adobe Photoshop that is completely non-destructive. You’ll be able to edit your text when you have the finished result.

First, we’re going to start with our image layer. My image is by Kellen Riggin on Unsplash.

Then, I’m going to create a solid colour layer. You can do this by creating a new layer and then using the fill tool to add colour, or you can create your layer, and then from the dropdown (dropup?) menu choose “Solid Colour”.

Then, I’m going to add and adjust my text.

When I’m happy with it, my text and my colour layer are going to form a group with each other. Select both layers by holding Shift, and then “Ctrl+G” to group them together.

Then, we’re going to double-click on our text layer to bring up the layer style menu. Do not double-click on the layer name, as that will have you rename it.

We’re going to take that Fill Opacity under “Advanced Blending” down to zero, and change the knockout to shallow.

Click “OK”, and then you can keep adjusting your image.

I choose to use the layer mask on the colour layer to create a block around my text, but this does not responsively resize to my text layer. I also made my block colour white.

And there you have it! It’s as simple and easy as that. Now, you can edit your text to say whatever you want while maintaining the effect.