Quick Classes: Two-tone Text Using Clipping Masks in Photoshop

Using Clipping Masks to achieve two-tone text. Note: A Clipping Mask is simply grouping layers. The clipped layer is only visible where it intersects the base layer.

In this tutorial we’ll learn to use the Layers Palette and Clipping Masks.

1. Open a new document, at least 200 dpi for good printing. Create a new layer and fill half of it with a black rectangle (use the Shape tool on Fill option, or use the Marquee tool and Flood Fill with the paint bucket).

2. Ctrl-Click on the layer 1 thumbnail (black rectangle layer) or right click>Select Layer Transparency to make a selection exactly the shape of the rectangle.

3. Make another new layer, and fill the selection with white.

4. Use the text tool to type, color black. If the text layer is not underneath the white layer, drag the layer thumbnail below white layer.

5. With the white layer selected, go to Layer>Create Clipping Mask, or Ctrl-G, or Alt-click on the line between the white layer and the text layer to group them.

You can now reposition the text, change the font or size without affecting the coloring.