Trying to outline Text

[lavenderlady]

I am sooo frustrated. I am a newbie trying to outline text and no matter what approach I take, it doesn't work. Obviously I am doing something wrong, but I don't know what. Someone suggested I do the following:

Create text, hold down the control key and click on the thumbnail in the layers palette to get marching ants around the text (then this person notes that this only works in PSE6 and for earlier versions I should click on the tab in the layers palette)...Next I should create a new layer above the text layer. With the new layer as the active layer, under the Edit drop down menu, choose stroke and work through the settings in the popup box.

I am using PSE4 and since this is an earlier version than PSE6, I just clicked on the tab in the layers palette which only highlights the layer I am working on. I don't get any marching ants. So I used the marquee tool to create a selection and then went on to create a new layer above it. Then I went to the Edit>stroke outline popup box and filled it out and hit OK. NOTHING happened.

This same person said there was one other way to do it by simplifying the text (this is what the books recommend), but I still have had no luck. I am using XP2000. Can anyone shed some light on how to do this. It should be a relatively simple maneuver, but I find everything in PS to be difficult! lavenderlady

[Byron Gale]

lavenderlady,

Using PSE4, this works for me.

- I create the Text layer.
- I create a new, blank layer above the text, and ensure it is selected in the Layers palette.
- I hold CTRL and click the Text layer thumbnail - the "marching ants" appear around the text.
- I click Edit > Stroke and complete the dialog.

HTH,

Byron

[Bamboos]

Using Elements 5

1. create a new document
2. create a new layer name it text
3. Select the text tool and type your message
4. Create a new layer and name it " Outline "
5. WIth the outline layer still selected.
6. Press and hold Control and click on the text layer thumbnail
Notice the marching ants? Note: The text layer is not selcted. You're still working on the Outline layer.
7. Click Select > Modify > Expand 2
8. Fill with what ever color you want
9. Move the outline layer below the text layer.

[lavenderlady]

Thank you Bamboos and Byron. Neither of these worked, but I figured out how to make it a go! lavenderlady

[Byron Gale]

...Neither of these worked, but I figured out how to make it a go!...lavenderlady,

That's strange... it works for me, every time!

Glad you figured out another technique, though.

Byron

[ljameso1]

Lavendar Lady, Are you by any chance using a mac? If so, substitute the command key(the 1 with the apple on it) for the control key in the directions.
Linda

[Suzette]

If you go to the top of the menu in pse6 right next to to File is Edit.

Click on Edit. Scroll down and you will see the stroke outline selection tool.

I wish someone had told me that hours ago.

I stumbled across it so I hope this helps someone like me.

Edit>Stroke Outline Selection Tool

[MRaiser]

I had trouble with outlining text too so until I master it I did a google search and found free fonts that are already in outline format. Try 1001freefonts.com

[cats4jan]

PSE 4

The secret to getting a selection in the shape of your text is to control click on the THUMBNAIL of the text layer.

Another trick - Doubling clicking on the thumbnail of a text layer will highlight all the text in that layer and turn on your text tool - all in one move.