How to Make 3D Text Using GIMP

GIMP is a powerful tool that you can do to create just about any type of graphic that you could want. On top of that, it's free!!!

Steps

  1. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 1.png
    1
    Start a new file by selecting File >> New... Be sure that the background is white and the foreground is black.
  2. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 2.png
    2
    Using the text tool, enter in some text into your background. Here, wikiHow is being used.
  3. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 3.png
    3
    Right click on the layer and select Merge Down. You will end up with black text on a white background.
  4. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 4.png
    4
    Invert the colors by going to Colors >> Invert, so that you have white text on a black background.
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    5
    Blur your text. Do this by going to Filters >> Blur >> Gaussian Blur... Set it for 5.
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    6
    Decide on a texture that you will use for bumpmapping your text. Feverfew flowers are being used here. Add your texture on the layer above the text.
  7. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 7.png
    7
    Go to Filters >> Map >> Bump Map... Once in the Bump Map options, be sure that you select the text layer as the Bump Map.
  8. 8
    If you don't like the placement of the text with the texture layer, hit Undo and then move one of the layers so that it is where you want it.
    Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 8.png
  9. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 9.png
    9
    Still on the texture layer, right click on it in the layer dialog box and then select Add Layer Mask. Be sure that it is white.
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    10
    Activate the text layer (select the text layer). Copy that onto the clipboard by going to Edit >> Copy or CTRL C.
  11. 11
    Click on the layer mask and then Edit >> Paste or CTRL V.
    Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 11.png
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    12
    While on the floating layer (the pasted image), anchor the layer.
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    13
    Add another layer and fill it with whatever color that you want. Try a complementary color for your fill.
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    14
    Move it down so that it is below the layer with the layer mask. It should look like this screenshot.
  15. 15
    Be sure you are on the bump map layer (the flower layer here) and then
    Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 15.png
  16. Image titled Make 3D Text Using GIMP Step 16.png
    16
    Go to Colors >> Levels and adjust the layer until you like the way it looks. You want to make it appear sharper without compromising the look of your image..

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References

  1. Source of information comes from GIMP.org

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 41,144 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: September 16, 2021
Views: 41,144
Categories: GIMP