How to make text transparent in Photoshop

Need to add text to an image but don't have a good place to put it? Try adding it as transparent text in Photoshop!

This tutorial will show you how to create a transparent text area, meaning the typography itself is completely transparent, allowing the image underneath to show through. We surround the text with a solid block of color, usually white, to reveal the shape of the letters, and then the text becomes the frame for the subject. This is a great design trick for images that are too busy for the text to be legible.

Creating transparent text in Photoshop is easy. Start by adding a new layer above your image and filling it with white. Then, add your text. To make the text transparent, we’ll use Photoshop’s Advanced Blending options to turn the typography layer into a highlight layer. This will punch holes in the shape of the letters, leading directly to the image below.

Step 1: Open the image

Start by opening the image you want to add a transparency effect to. For example, I downloaded this image of the New York skyline from Adobe Stock :

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Original image.

Step 2: Add a new layer

In the Layers panel, the image is on the Background layer. Click the Add New Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers panel.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Click the Add New Layer icon.

A new blank layer named Layer 1 appears above the image.

We will use this layer to create the white area around the text.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
New blank layer.

Step 3: Fill the new layer with white

Fill the layer with white by going to the Edit menu in the menu bar and selecting Fill .

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the Fill command from the Edit menu.

In the Fill dialog box , set Contents to White. Then click OK.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Set Contents to White

Photoshop will fill the layer with white, temporarily blocking the image from view.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
The result after coloring the layer white.

Step 4: Reduce the layer opacity

In the Layers panel, reduce the opacity of Layer 1 to 75%.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Decrease the layer opacity.

When the opacity is reduced, the image is now partially visible so we can see when adding text.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Result after reducing layer opacity.

Step 5: Select Type Tool

In the toolbar, select the Type Tool .

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select Photoshop's Type Tool.

Step 6: Choose font

In the Options Bar, select your font. We'll use Futura PT Heavy for this example, but any font with thick text will work.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the font in the Options Bar.

Still in the Options Bar, set the font size to 150 pt. We'll need to resize the text once we've added it, but this should give us a large enough starting point.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the initial font size.

Step 7: Set the text color to black

Before leaving the Options Bar, make sure the text color is set to black. If not, press D on your keyboard to reset it to default.

Black will allow us to see the text in front of a white background, but will disappear when we make the text transparent.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
The text will be black now.

Step 8: Add text

Click inside the document and add your text. For example, we will type the words NEW YORK CITY.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Add text.

Click the check mark in the Options Bar to accept.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Click the check mark.

In the Layers panel, the new text layer appears above Layer 1.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
New text layer.

Step 9: Change text size

Go to the Edit menu in the menu and select Free Transform .

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the Free Transform command.

Photoshop surrounds the text with a transform box and handles.

But before dragging the handles, go to the Options Bar and make sure the link icon between the Width and Height fields is selected. This will lock the aspect ratio of the text when resizing so that the letters don't distort.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Width and Height must be linked together.

Then drag any handle to resize the text.

Here, the example will make the text larger to cover as much of the image as possible.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Drag the corner handles to resize the text.

Then click and drag inside the transform box to reposition the text. For example, it will move the text in front of the water border.

When finished, press Enter (Win) / Return (Mac) on your keyboard to accept and close Free Transform.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Drag the text into position.

Step 10: Change Blending Options

In the Layers panel, make sure the text layer is selected and click the Layer Effects (fx) icon at the bottom.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Click on the fx icon.

Then, select Blending Options from the top menu.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select Blending Options.

This will open Photoshop's Layer Style dialog box set to the main Blending Options.

In the Advanced Blending section , change the Knockout from None to Shallow. This will turn the text layer into a knockout layer, meaning Photoshop will use the shape of the letters to punch through layer 1 and reveal the image on the Background layer.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Change Knockout to Shallow.

You won't see the effect until you drag the Fill Opacity down to 0%.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Drag Fill Opacity down to 0%

Click OK to close the Layer Style dialog box .

Not only does the text itself become transparent, but so does the area on layer 1 directly below the text, as if the text has been punched through.

The image on the Background layer is now visible through the letters.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Results with images currently displayed over text.

Step 11: Select Layer 1

Resize the white area around the text so it doesn't cover the entire image.

Click Layer 1 in the Layers panel to select Layer 1.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the white fill layer.

Step 12: Resize the layer using Free Transform

Go back to the Edit menu and select Free Transform.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Select the Free Transform command.

Before dragging the transform handles, go back to the Options Bar and this time unlink the Width and Height fields. This will allow us to drag the handles freely without worrying about the aspect ratio.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Unlink Width and Height.

Then drag the top and bottom handles towards the text. Press Enter (Win) / Return (Mac) on your keyboard when you're done.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Resize the white border.

Step 13: Adjust the layer opacity

Finally, adjust the opacity of layer 1 to fine-tune the visibility of the text.

Increasing the opacity will make the white area around the text more readable. Decreasing the opacity will blur the text area in the image.

The example will set the opacity to 85%.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Increase the opacity of the layer.

After increasing the opacity, the final transparent text area result should look like this.

How to make text transparent in Photoshop
Final result.
Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to Paste an Image into a Selection in Photoshop

How to Paste an Image into a Selection in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to copy an image and paste it into a selection in another image using the Paste Into command in Adobe Photoshop.

How to Convert to High Contrast Black and White Photos Instantly in Photoshop

How to Convert to High Contrast Black and White Photos Instantly in Photoshop

This tutorial will show you how to instantly convert a high contrast black and white photo in Photoshop using Gradient Map.

How to blur an image to a background color in Photoshop quickly with Live Gradients

How to blur an image to a background color in Photoshop quickly with Live Gradients

In this tutorial, we will look at the newest and easiest way to fade an image to a background color in Photoshop, which is using Live Gradients.

Reasons to use the Font browser feature in Photoshop

Reasons to use the Font browser feature in Photoshop

Font indecision is real. Help is just a few clicks away, because Adobe has a time-saving feature built into Photoshop. It's called the Font Browser!

Why is Photoshop more valuable than Canva Pro for creators?

Why is Photoshop more valuable than Canva Pro for creators?

Canva's simplicity makes it a popular tool. Photoshop, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart - it has many features and takes time to learn.

Photoshops New AI Tool Makes It Easy to Remove Window Glare

Photoshops New AI Tool Makes It Easy to Remove Window Glare

Adobe has unveiled a new AI tool that can remove annoying reflections from your photos.

How to Create a Vintage 3D Movie Effect in Photoshop

How to Create a Vintage 3D Movie Effect in Photoshop

Recreate the look of classic 3D movies from the 1950s with this quick and easy Photoshop effect!

How to Create a Stunning 3D Pop-Out Effect in Photoshop

How to Create a Stunning 3D Pop-Out Effect in Photoshop

Creating a 3D pop-out effect in Adobe Photoshop is the perfect way to get people to notice your efforts on social media posts or as a creative photography project.

How to create a better Color Halftone effect in Photoshop

How to create a better Color Halftone effect in Photoshop

The Color Halftone effect can give images a vintage or nostalgic look by emulating printing techniques used in newspapers, magazines, comics, and pop art.

4 ways to edit smiles in portrait photos on Photoshop

4 ways to edit smiles in portrait photos on Photoshop

There are several ways to edit smiles in photos using Photoshop, such as using the Liquify tool, Neural Filter, layers, and the Puppet Warp tool.

How to Insert a Photo into a Shape in Photoshop

How to Insert a Photo into a Shape in Photoshop

It's easy to place a photo into any kind of shape, from a basic rectangle or circle to fancy custom shapes.

Photoshop is now available for mobile devices, with a new subscription plan

Photoshop is now available for mobile devices, with a new subscription plan

Photoshop Mobile gives you professional tools without the need for a computer.

How to Create AI Images in Photoshop Using Adobe Firefly

How to Create AI Images in Photoshop Using Adobe Firefly

Generate Image uses Adobe Firefly to create entire AI images from scratch directly from within Photoshop, and it carries over most of the options found in the text-to-image module on the Adobe Firefly website.

How to Use the Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop to Turn a Photo into a Painting

How to Use the Oil Paint Filter in Photoshop to Turn a Photo into a Painting

The Oil Paint filter in Photoshop can turn any photo into an oil painting masterpiece. In this tutorial, you will learn how to use it to create an oil painting effect, even if you have no painting skills at all.

Users can now collaborate on Photoshop like in Google Docs

Users can now collaborate on Photoshop like in Google Docs

Now, Adobe is introducing a similar feature to Photoshop, aimed at helping users work together efficiently on an image.

Meta develops its own AI chip to reduce dependence on Nvidia

Meta develops its own AI chip to reduce dependence on Nvidia

Meta is developing its first in-house AI training processor. The company has begun pilot testing a small batch of the new AI training chip and will order more if the testing phase produces positive results, Reuters reported.

Asus Launches VU Air Ionizer Monitor That Includes an Air Purifier

Asus Launches VU Air Ionizer Monitor That Includes an Air Purifier

Asus has just launched a trio of monitors with a unique feature - a built-in Nano ion generator that the company claims can remove up to 90% of airborne dust in 3 hours.

How to use Rune in Golang

How to use Rune in Golang

What is Rune in Golang? How to use Rune in Golang? This article will give you the answer.

How to use operators in Golang

How to use operators in Golang

Operators allow us to perform different types of operations on operands. In Go language, operators can be classified based on their different functions.

Heres everything Microsoft knows about your PC!

Heres everything Microsoft knows about your PC!

There are many reasons why Microsoft collects your data: From wanting to optimize the user experience, to customization, to selling it to third parties.

Instagram Will Replace AR Filters With Controversial AI-Generated Videos

Instagram Will Replace AR Filters With Controversial AI-Generated Videos

As reported in August, Meta confirmed that it will discontinue Spark, Instagram's AR filter, in January 2025.

Learn the differences between Samsung Galaxy phones

Learn the differences between Samsung Galaxy phones

Samsung is a popular smartphone manufacturer with a product range covering almost every segment of the market under the Galaxy brand.

How to use new features in Apple Maps on iOS 18

How to use new features in Apple Maps on iOS 18

Apple Maps has gotten its biggest update in years thanks to iOS 18.

How to scan documents into PDF using Note on iPhone

How to scan documents into PDF using Note on iPhone

In addition to the note-taking feature, the Note application on iPhone also has the feature of scanning documents into PDF so you can easily share files and send them to others.

Scratched nails are caused by lack of what nutrients? Causes and treatment

Scratched nails are caused by lack of what nutrients? Causes and treatment

Scratched hangnails are lacking what nutrients? This article will give you the answer to what nutrients are lacking in scratched hangnails!

Mars: Overview of the 4th planet in the solar system

Mars: Overview of the 4th planet in the solar system

How big is Mars? Not only the area of ​​Mars, the article will tell you more about the 4th planet - Mars.

8 Best Google Docs Add-ons to Improve Your Writing

8 Best Google Docs Add-ons to Improve Your Writing

From grammar check to formatting, these tools save you time and effort. Here are some add-ons you can use to improve your writing process.

Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is the right software for you?

Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop Elements is the right software for you?

Adobe offers a variety of tools, Photoshop and Photoshop Elements are two options that have very similar features.

Latest Code Thai Hu Tam Quoc

Latest Code Thai Hu Tam Quoc

Thai Hu Tam Quoc is a modern style strategy game with extremely attractive multiverse reincarnation gameplay. Let's explore the cool giftcode set of this game with Quantrimang.

Code Sword Realm 3D 04/25/2025 latest and how to enter code

Code Sword Realm 3D 04/25/2025 latest and how to enter code

Get the Sword Realm 3D code and use it on your character to receive attractive rewards when you first enter the game.