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How to Create a Fur Action Text Effect in Adobe Photoshop

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Anderson Luiz
• 14 min read
Add-Ons Text Effects Layer Styles Adobe Photoshop
This post is part of a series called Learn Photoshop Actions.
How to Create an Engraved Effect Photoshop Action
How to Create Pop Art Photo Effects With Photoshop Actions

In this tutorial I will show you how to create a fur effect in Photoshop using a pattern, a fur brush, a layer style, and a gradient map. At the end of this Photoshop fur tutorial, you will have an action ready to perform almost the entire process with a single click.

Learn more about Photoshop actions on Envato Elements, and follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

Create a Fur Action Text Effect in Photoshop

What You'll Learn in This Photoshop Fur Text Tutorial

  • How to create furry and hairy letters in Photoshop
  • How to use fur brush in Photoshop to make letters fluffy
  • How to achieve a fur texture with a Photoshop fur brush
  • How to create a 3D fur text or hairy font

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during this tutorial:

1. How to Set the Background for the Photoshop Fur Effect Action

Open Photoshop, go to File > Open, and choose FurAction-BG.jpg.

Image of the backgroundImage of the backgroundImage of the background

2. How to Create the Text

Pick the Type Tool (T) and write "FUR". Choose the Aller Display font, and then go to Window > Character and set the Size to 347 pt and Tracking to 50.

Character Panel with size and trackingCharacter Panel with size and trackingCharacter Panel with size and tracking

3. How to Install the Photoshop Fur Brush and Pattern

Step 1

Go to Edit > Presets > Preset Manager... In the Preset Type, select Brushes, click load..., and choose Brush (Fur Tutorial).abr.

Installing brushes with Preset ManagerInstalling brushes with Preset ManagerInstalling brushes with Preset Manager

Step 2

Go to Edit > Presets > Preset Manager... In the Preset Type, select Patterns, click load..., and choose Pattern (Fur Tutorial).pat.

Installing patterns with Preset ManagerInstalling patterns with Preset ManagerInstalling patterns with Preset Manager

4. How to Create an Action

Step 1

Open the Actions panel, and go to Window > Actions.

Opening the Actions PanelOpening the Actions PanelOpening the Actions Panel

Step 2 

Let's create a new set of actions. To do so, click the Create New Set icon, name it Fur Action, and click OK.

Creating a new action setCreating a new action setCreating a new action set

Step 3

Click the Create New Action icon, name it Fur Text, and click Record.

From this point on, everything you do will be recorded, so keep an eye on the Actions panel. If you make a mistake, click the Stop Playing/Recording icon, and delete the unnecessary step from the Fur Text action. Then click the Begin Recording icon to continue.

Creating a new actionCreating a new actionCreating a new action

Step 4

With the text layer selected, go to Layer > Rename Layer... and rename it Base Text 1.

How to rename the layerHow to rename the layerHow to rename the layer

Step 5 

Pick the Brush Tool (B). Select the FUR Brush - Tutorial brush, and then set the Mode to Normal and the Opacity and Flow to 100%, and make sure that the following icons are unselected. 

Choosing the brush and settingsChoosing the brush and settingsChoosing the brush and settings

Step 6

Now let's create a new layer. Go to Layer > New > Layer..., name it Fur-1, and click OK.

Creating and naming a layerCreating and naming a layerCreating and naming a layer

Step 7

Select the layer Base Text 1 again, and go to Type > Create Work Path.

Creating a work pathCreating a work pathCreating a work path

Step 8

Now select the layer Fur-1, open the Paths panel by going to Window > Paths, right-click the Work Path, and choose Stroke Path... Choose Brush in the drop-down menu, uncheck the Simulate Pressure option, and click OK.

After that, delete the Work Path from the Paths panel.

Applying a stroke to the pathApplying a stroke to the pathApplying a stroke to the path

Step 9

Go back to the Layers panel. Now we're going to merge the text with the fur. To do so, select Fur-1 in the Layers panel, and then hold down the Shift key and select Base Text 1.

Selecting two layers to mergeSelecting two layers to mergeSelecting two layers to merge

Now release the Shift key, Right-Click Fur-1, and choose Merge Layers.

How to merge the layersHow to merge the layersHow to merge the layers

Step 10

Now we're going to add a Layer Style. Double Click the layer Fur-1 to apply the following style:

Add a Bevel & Emboss with these settings:

  • Style: Inner Bevel
  • Technique: Smooth
  • Depth: 63 %
  • Direction: Up
  • Size: 24 px
  • Soften: 16 px
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 13º
  • Altitude: 42º
  • Gloss Contour: Gaussian
  • Anti-aliased: True
  • Highlight Mode: Soft
  • Color of the Highlight mode: #ffffff
  • Opacity of the Highlight: 65%
  • Shadow Mode: Overlay
  • Color of the Shadow Mode: #362a1a
  • Opacity of the Shadow Mode: 26%
Bevel and Emboss settingsBevel and Emboss settingsBevel and Emboss settings

Step 11

Add a Contour to the Bevel & Emboss with these settings:

  • Contour: Gaussian 
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Range: 61%
Bevel and Emboss Contour settingsBevel and Emboss Contour settingsBevel and Emboss Contour settings

Step 12

Add an Inner Glow with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Screen
  • Opacity: 25%
  • Noise: 0%
  • Color: #cfb9a6
  • Technique: Softer
  • Source: Center
  • Choke: 4%
  • Size: 213 px
  • Contour: Linear
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Range: 100%
  • Jitter: 0%
Inner Glow SettingsInner Glow SettingsInner Glow Settings

Step 13

Add a Color Overlay with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Color
  • Color: #ffffff
  • Opacity: 21%

Color Overlay SettingsColor Overlay SettingsColor Overlay Settings

Step 14

Add a Pattern Overlay with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Normal
  • Opacity: 100%
  • Pattern: Choose the pattern that you downloaded, Pattern (Fur Tutorial).pat.
  • Scale: 25%
  • Link with Layer: Checked
Pattern Overlay settingsPattern Overlay settingsPattern Overlay settings

Step 15

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Normal
  • Color: #6d655d
  • Opacity: 100%
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 0 º
  • Distance: 18 px
  • Spread: 100%
  • Size: 0 px
  • Contour: Linear 
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Noise: 0%
  • Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow: Checked
First Drop Shadow settingsFirst Drop Shadow settingsFirst Drop Shadow settings

Step 16

If you are not using Adobe Photoshop CC, click OK and skip to step 18, otherwise continue here.

Add another Drop Shadow right below the first one, with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Normal
  • Color: #e5dacf
  • Opacity: 100%
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 0º
  • Distance: 0 px
  • Spread: 0%
  • Size: 2 px
  • Contour: Linear
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Noise: 0%
  • Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow: Checked
Second Drop Shadow settingsSecond Drop Shadow settingsSecond Drop Shadow settings

Step 17

Add the third Drop Shadow right below the second one, with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Multiply
  • Color: #000000
  • Opacity: 30%
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 3º
  • Distance: 34 px
  • Spread: 0%
  • Size: 1 px
  • Contour: Linear 
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Noise: 0%
  • Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow: Check

Click OK.

Third Drop Shadow SettingsThird Drop Shadow SettingsThird Drop Shadow Settings

Your image should look like this:

how the image should look likehow the image should look likehow the image should look like

Or like this if you are using an older version of Adobe Photoshop:

how the image looks in an older photoshophow the image looks in an older photoshophow the image looks in an older photoshop

Step 18

Skip to step 23 if you are using Adobe Photoshop CC.

Make two copies of the layer Fur-1 and place them below the original one:

Making two copies of the layerMaking two copies of the layerMaking two copies of the layer

Step 19

Right-Click the first copy and choose Clear Layer Style. Do the same for the second copy.

Clearing the Layer StyleClearing the Layer StyleClearing the Layer Style

Step 20

Change the Fill of both copies to 0%.

Changing the Fill of the layersChanging the Fill of the layersChanging the Fill of the layers

Step 21

Double-Click the first copy to add a new Layer Style.

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Normal
  • Color: #e5dacf
  • Opacity: 100%
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 0 º
  • Distance: 0 px
  • Spread: 0%
  • Size: 2 px
  • Contour: Linear
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Noise: 0%
  • Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow: Checked

Click OK.

Second Drop shadow for older photoshopSecond Drop shadow for older photoshopSecond Drop shadow for older photoshop

Step 22

Double-Click the second copy to add a new Layer Style.

Add a Drop Shadow with these settings:

  • Blend Mode: Multiply
  • Color: #000000
  • Opacity: 30%
  • Use Global Light: Unchecked
  • Angle: 3º
  • Distance: 34 px
  • Spread: 0%
  • Size: 1 px
  • Contour: Linear 
  • Anti-aliased: Unchecked
  • Noise: 0%
  • Layer Knocks Out Drop Shadow: Checked

Click OK.

Third Drop Shadow for older photoshopThird Drop Shadow for older photoshopThird Drop Shadow for older photoshop

Step 23

Now we need to convert the Fur-1 layer into a Smart Object.

For Adobe Photoshop CC: 

Right-Click the Fur-1 layer and choose Convert to Smart Object.

Converting layer to Smart ObjectConverting layer to Smart ObjectConverting layer to Smart Object

For older versions of Adobe Photoshop:

Select Fur-1, hold down the Shift key, and click Fur-1 copy 2. Release the Shift key, and then Right-Click the layer Fur-1 and choose Convert to Smart Object.

Converting layers to Smart Object in older photoshopConverting layers to Smart Object in older photoshopConverting layers to Smart Object in older photoshop

Step 24

Now let's change the color of the fur. We will make it white. Go to the Adjustments panel and click on Gradient Map. If you don't see it, go to Window > Adjustments.

Creating a new Gradient MapCreating a new Gradient MapCreating a new Gradient Map

Step 25

Your entire image will look strange, but don't worry. Rename the layer Gradient map 1 to Gradient Color.

Renaming the Gradient MapRenaming the Gradient MapRenaming the Gradient Map

Step 26

Right-Click the layer Gradient Color and choose Create Clipping Mask.

Applying a Clipping Mask to a layerApplying a Clipping Mask to a layerApplying a Clipping Mask to a layer

Step 27

Double-Click the Gradient icon in the Gradient color layer. The Properties panel will pop up.

Opening the Properties PanelOpening the Properties PanelOpening the Properties Panel

Step 28

Click the Gradient bar in the Properties panel to open the Gradient Editor.

Set the gradient with these settings:

  • First stop Color: #000000 and Location 0%
  • Second stop Color: #848484 and Location 30%
  • Third stop Color: #c0c0c0 and Location 48%
  • Fourth stop Color: #ffffff and Location 100%

Click OK.

Opening the Gradient EditorOpening the Gradient EditorOpening the Gradient Editor

Step 29

Rename the Fur-1 layer to Fur, and then stop recording the action.

Finishing the recording of the actionFinishing the recording of the actionFinishing the recording of the action

That's It! Now You Know How to Create Fur Text

In this tutorial, you learned how to create furry letters in Adobe Photoshop.

We started out by creating our text, and while recording an action, we added a border to it using a Brush and a Path, then a Layer Style, and finally a Gradient map to change the color. So now you know how to create your own 3D fur text.

Image with the final resultImage with the final resultImage with the final result

Things to remember before playing the action:

  • Make sure that you have installed the Pattern and Brush.
  • Make sure that the Brush Opacity and Flow are set to 100%, just like step 5 of "4 - How to Create the Action."
  • Make sure that you are playing the action with the text layer selected.

To play it, you need to select the action Fur Text and click Play in the Actions panel.

5 Amazing Fur Fonts & Text Effects From Envato Elements

If you enjoyed our tutorial but you don't have time to create furry and hairy letters from scratch, don't worry. In this section, you'll find amazing fur fonts and other cool text effects from Envato Elements.

Here you can find thousands of creative assets for your design and branding projects. Get unlimited downloads of logos, fonts, illustrations, graphics, and more for a low monthly fee.

1. Furry Letters: 3D Fur Text (ASL, PSD)

This effect is very similar to what we've done in our furry font tutorial, except it comes with 15 different styles and patterns. Use the letters from the set, or apply the style to your own text. Create cool hairy fonts from scratch! 

2. Black Text Effect (PSD)

This elegant effect will work well with any text. Use it to create a professional-looking logo or a title on a book cover or a poster.

3. Liquid Tasty Text Effects (PSD, ASL, PDF)

Liquid Tasty Text EffectsLiquid Tasty Text EffectsLiquid Tasty Text Effects

This set contains eight styles that will make your letters look tasty! It's amazingly realistic, and it will look great in the company of a playful font.

4. Pro 3D Text Mockups (PSD)

This set contains four styles of 3D text effects—it's a professional result that you can achieve in seconds, just by replacing the text in the files with your own.

5. Cute Fluffy Font (OTF, TTF, WOFF)

fluffy fontfluffy fontfluffy font

If you want to achieve a similar look to the furry fonts in this tutorial, this is a great option. Fluffy fonts are highly versatile, allowing you to evoke animals, clouds, and even various fluffy textures. Give these fluffy fonts a try; you won't regret it.

Other Text Effect Tutorials

If you enjoyed this Photoshop fur text tutorial, you may also be interested in these:

Add-Ons Text Effects Layer Styles Adobe Photoshop
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Anderson Luiz
Anderson Luiz
Brazil
Hi, my name is Anderson, and I'm a designer from Brazil. I've been learning Photoshop since 2008, and now I'm here to teach you what I've learned. I hope you enjoy it!
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