*Technique
TECHNIQUE: Metallic Effects with Text
By Jacqueline Sheppet 2004
Apr 16, 2005, 04:02

One of the most powerful tools in PhotoImpact is the library of preset colours and effects that you can apply to path objects and text with just the click of a mouse. Applying a special effect to your text can make an ordinary title really pop from your page. This tutorial will show you how to add a metallic effect to your text which is very popular in scrapbooking.

Firstly, type in your text using the text tool.

Select the 3D round option in the mode box. It does not matter what colour you use as once you apply a preset, the colours in that preset will override your previous choices.

Open the Easy Palette by pressing the F2 key. You will see a range of galleries. The metallic effects are within the gallery called Material Attribute Gallery -> Metallic. You will notice dozens of preset metallic effects, such as silver, copper, steel, gold amongst others. While your text is selected, double click on one of the preset pictures.

This is what my text became after I added the ‘Gold 1’ effect.

Here are another three examples using different effects and an added shadow.