Tutorial 4: The Boss Effect on Text

Enter Text

Using a nice chunky font, at a size of say 96, enter some text. Select the text and then center it.

Create a Mask

Certain effects -- like The Boss -- require a mask, so we need to create a mask first. This is easy: under Mask in the top menu bar select the option Create Mask From Object. The object in this case is the text.

Applying The Boss Filter

This filter is a special embossing filter, and is found under 3D Effects on the menu. It is very similar in operation to the Glass filter (both filters were made by the same company and are driven by the same program).

You can save a setting you like, so you don't have to struggle to recreate it later on. Saving a preset is done by clicking on the + sign to the right of Presets, and then entering your own name -- in this case, I have called it AK002.

There are two screens in The Boss -- the first one controls the Edge and the second on controls the Lighting.

Here are the settings I used. Note that I have chosen Mesa Drop-off and have clicked the Invert button.

The End Result

Below is the final image, with a drop shadow applied. With the wonderful effects supplied with PHOTO-PAINT, you hardly need expensive plug-ins!

This page was last reviewed in April 2006.