Photoshop CS3 Photo Effects Cookbook

Recipe 8.3. Wood textures

To create a wood texture we'll look at a method which uses Photoshop's Layer Styles. Layer Styles supply a quick route to a texture, but are limited as far as being able to customize the effect, so we'll emphasize the texture and add some realism with the Lighting Effects filter. Ultimately, these textures can be used for everything from texturizing type, to making virtual surfaces suitable for use as a base in a still-life.

1 Here, as an example of how to use a wood Layer Style, I've added some type to a layer, which we'll now turn into wood. To create the text, simply use the Horizontal Type tool over a filled Background Layer.

2 Here you can see the plain text on a separate layer. To create the first wood effect we'll apply a Style to this layer. Working on the Type layer, go to Window > Styles to display the Styles palette. Right-click the small right-pointing arrow in the palette and load the extures styles set. Choose Oak from the Style swatches to apply the texture to the type.

3 Double-click on the Effects panel attached to the type layer to modify the size of the grain in the wood. Select the Pattern Overlay category in the Layer Styles dialog and adjust the scale. Choose the Color Overlay category to change the color of the wood effect by ...