32 Unforgettable Text Effects for Logos, Titles, & Headlines
There’s a saying that goes: ‘bad typography is everywhere; good typography is invisible’.
Ever walked past a sign and you just had to read it again because you thought you didn’t understand it the first time? That might be bad typography in practice. Typography is both an art and technique. More than making letters look good, it also ensures that people can understand your message right away.
Unfortunately, typography is one of the most underestimated elements in design.
Uses of Text Effects
Typography has existed for centuries – way before its introduction in MS Word or Google Fonts. Back then, there were artists and calligraphers who specialized in making sure letters were legible and beautiful.
Today, the process is easier thanks to online repositories and apps like Photoshop. But many typographers still practice drawing their fonts before uploading them on the Web. This gives their works an authentic, handcrafted feel.
One of the easiest ways to change the look and mood of a design project is to add different text effects.
You can see good examples from movie posters, book covers, and in game titles. For instance: one of the most iconic movie posters is from the 1975 film, Jaws. With red, bold letters and an open shark’s mouth, it’ll scare you before you even see it on the big screen.
Another great example is the 2009 game title, Minecraft. Its custom, bitmap-inspired font is recognized anywhere – even by non-gamers. The ‘cracked’ appearance (plus the little Minecon character) will give you an idea of what to expect, prior to playing the game.
Best Photoshop Text Effects
Whether you’re designing a movie poster or a magazine editorial, don’t underestimate the effect your chosen typography will have on your audiences. No project is too small. If you’re just starting out in building your portfolio, then practice by making small designs and then moving up.
Make your typography come alive using these amazing text effects!
1. Vintage Retro Text Effects
If you love old movies or old-school vibes, then you will also love these 11 fully layered .PSDs by Creative Artx. They’re available in 2000×1500 pixels and 300dpi for crisp, clear effects – even in black-and-white.
Download Vintage Retro Text Effects
2. CyberPunk Text Effect
Make your logos, game titles, album covers, and posters come alive in this glitchy, cyberpunk text effect from Supreme Tones. Ideal for sci-fi, modern, futuristic, sports, and game themes.
Download CyberPunk Text Effect
3. Space Text Effect
Is your mind playing tricks? No, it’s just this cool letter effect by Sagesmask. With smart object layer for easy editing, you can simply change the font, color, or background image – and you’re done.
4. Crashed Text Effect
Inspired by the ‘Thing’ from Fantastic Four, this fractured effect by Pixel Buddha Graphic knows no limits. So just use your imagination.
5. Sliced Letters Text Effect
Dynamic, powerful, and imposing, this smart object will come in handy for making movie posters, book covers, promotional materials, gaming titles, and more.
Download Sliced Letters Text Effect
6. 3D Cartoon Text Effects
Zeppelin Graphics brings you 10 PSD files that are fun, bubbly, and full of life! Recommended for Photoshop CS4+ and CC (does not work with Photoshop Elements).
Download 3D Cartoon Text Effects
7. Feminine Colorful Text Effects
Now you can create wedding invitations, cute stationeries, and fashion blog headers with ease thanks to this pack with well-organized layers in 2000×1500 px and 300dpi RGB.
Download Feminine Colorful Text Effects
8. Holochrome Text Effects
Featuring 10 different styles that are easy to use and edit, Sko4 gives you this collection of shiny holographic effects for that genuine retro vibe.
Download Holochrome Text Effects
9. Anaglyphic Stereo Text Effect
Remember that crazy glitch that sometimes happens in old CRT televisions? Now you can re-create the same effect effortlessly using this high-quality PSD file that comes in 3 color options.
Download Anaglyphic Stereo Text Effect
10. Urban Text Effects
This pack contains 8 PSD Photoshop templates, 8 JPG examples, and a PDF help guide so you can make edgy, unique modern designs in a flash.
11. Papercut Text Effect
These volumetric curved layers are so realistic, you’ll want to poke your fingers through just to see if they’re actually there!
12. Doppler Distortion Text Effect
You don’t need to be a science major to understand the Doppler Effect. Thanks to Oxana-Milka, all you have to do is to apply this distorted lettering effect to your texts and watch its artistic yet mind-boggling results!
Download Doppler Distortion Text Effect
13. Wood Text Effects
Add some organic feel to your designs when you use these fully editable PSD files from Evatheme Market. Available in 8 styles.
14. 90s Text Effects
Bring back a bit of the good ol’ times using these fun and colorful PSD templates that works well with any text, font, or shape you want to combine them with. Comes with instructions so you can make the most of them.
15. Glitch Text or Logo Effects
No need to jump through hoops to get the perfect glitch or error effect. Just use this pack that includes 9 PSD templates plus 1 PDF help file for realistic, out-of-this-world distortions.
Download Glitch Text or Logo Effects
16. Vintage Text Effects Vol.6
Re-create simpler times through your logos, posters, headlines, and displays when you opt for this well-organized vintage pack. Only works with Photoshop CS 6+.
Download Vintage Text Effects Vol.6
17. Vintage Text Effects Vol.1
Quickly and effortlessly make typography inspired from the 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s using this set with 10 PSD files in 2000×1500 px.
Download Vintage Text Effects Vol.1
18. Cyberpunk 80s Text Effects
Re-create your own sci-fi or futuristic dystopian settings with these 10 PSD files that work well with smart objects. Recommended for movie posters, album covers, book titles, promotional purposes, and more.
Download Cyberpunk 80s Text Effects
19. 80s Style Text Effects
Go back to the decade of Generation X in these text effects featuring bright, glowing waves and reflective chrome finishes. You’ll get 8 COOL compositions and 8 PSD mock-ups.
Download 80s Style Text Effects
20. 70s Retro Text Effects
Keep swingin’ and dancin’ in these funky 70s-inspired letter effects that will surely bring back the disco fever!
Download 70s Retro Text Effects
21. Distorted Chrome Text Effect
This rad/trippy text effect will take your poster, album cover, or social media post to the next level. By making it hard for other people to copy you and your designs, you’re guaranteed to stand out of the crowd.
22. Acid Fumes Text Effect
This grunge text effect distorts your text with warping features. By tweaking the settings, you can get very unique results. Very fun to play with!
Download Acid Fumes Text Effect Here
23. Stranger Things Text Effect
A play on Stephen Kings classic typefaces and a call to one of the most famous Netflix Series’ of all time, this font is heartwarming, cozy, and high-quality.
24. Liquid Melted Text Effects
If you are looking for unique, then you certainly have it with this super versatile and trippy typeface. The font will make your text look like it is melting, and with easy editing capabilities and a range of possibilities, we are sure that you will be happy.
25. Moonlight Text Effect
A picture paints a thousand words, and the picture that this stunning text effect provides is truly incredible. With smart object layers included and three different colour filters to boot, there is nothing that this text effect cant help you achieve.
Download Moonlight Text Effect here
26. Photocopier Glitch Text Effect
Easy to edit, futuristic, and perfect for a range of different project types, this text effect is an excellent choice. Aside from the PSD itself, you get various editing options to work with: black & white filter and its inverted version, removable glitch color. If you have enough experience and Photoshop skills, you can use the effect on vector objects to deliver some really professional results.
Download the Photocopier effect here
27. Dissolving Waves Text Effect
Ideal for album covers, streetwear, posters, or media designs and projects, this text effect will make any design of yours stand out. The PSD text type is high-quality and with its distinct look, it will be sure to make your designs (whatever they are) stand out.
Download the dissolving waves text effect here
28. Displaced Distortion Text Effects
With displaced distortion, you will have 8 high-quality PSD files and 8 displacement maps to experiment with and make up powerful compositions. The text effect is easy to edit, perfect for a host of different projects and ideas, and legible too for good measure.
29. Melting Text Effect
Want to make your text look like it is melting away? Then this is the perfect text effect for you to try. Easy to use, easy to edit, and great value, it has everything that you need.
30. Liquid Melting Text Effect
With multilingual support, easy to edit text, and of course, a super fun and interesting design, we think that this font type is the perfect choice for anyone looking to add something cool and unpredictale to their design. Specifically designed for Adobe Photoshop, the font is easy to use and edit as you require.
Download Liquid Melting Text here
31. Leaking Colours Text Effect
The perfect melting text effect, the color choices, the distressed text, and the sheer versatility attached to this effect make it a grunge masterpiece. A perfect font for setting a darker or more sinister mood.
32. Toxic Broadcasting Text Effect
A stuttered and glithced text effect, this font is excellent for anyone looking to create a modern and unique design. So whether you re crafting a print or media masterpiece, this is a text effect that we recommend.