Create a Realistic Paper Cutout Text Effect in Photoshop

Create a Realistic Paper Cutout Text Effect in Photoshop

Elevate your typography with a realistic paper cutout effect. This Photoshop tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to adding depth and dimension to your custom lettering designs.

Learn how to craft intricate shadows and highlights, transforming flat text into a stunning, layered paper artwork.

Watch the Video

Video by Made by Mighty. Any links or downloads mentioned by the creator are available only on YouTube

Practical Tips for Paper Cutout Effects

Master the subtle nuances of light and shadow to achieve a convincing paper cutout look in Photoshop.

  • Create a new Photoshop document at 3000x3000 pixels with an RGB color mode for optimal digital use.
  • Apply a subtle paper pattern overlay to your background with `Linear Burn` at 30% opacity, complemented by a `Gradient Overlay` set to Overlay at 25% opacity and a 65° angle.
  • Start the cutout illusion on your lettering layer using `Bevel and Emboss` (Inner Bevel, Size 250px, Soften 16px, Angle -145°) and `Inner Shadow` (Normal, White, 20% opacity, Distance 1px, Size 1px, 5% Noise).
  • Generate light reflections by duplicating the lettering layer, setting its `Fill` to 0%, and applying `Outer Bevel` (Size 50px, Soften 16px, Angle 55°, Altitude 0°, Overlay, 45% opacity) for realistic edge highlights.
  • Add depth shadows by duplicating layers, applying `Outer Bevel` (Outer Bevel, Size 38px, Angle -145°, Multiply, Black, 25% opacity), and using `Gaussian Blur` with progressively increasing radii for diffused, realistic internal shadows.

Explore more creative techniques to apply paper-inspired designs and effects in Photoshop.

Create a Paper Cut Out Illustration Effect in Photoshop
In this engaging tutorial, Nemanja Sekulic guides you through the process of creating striking paper cut-out illustrations from scratch in Photoshop. The video demonstrates a straightforward approach to achieving this effect, starting with basic techniques and building up to a detailed and dynamic result. Nemanja breaks down the process into easy-to-follow steps, covering everything from initial setup to final adjustments. You'll learn how to manipulate layers, use clipping masks, and apply tex
Leafy Text Effect Photoshop Tutorial
In this tutorial by Spoon Graphics, you'll learn how to create a text covered with leaves in Adobe Photoshop. The tutorial guides you through the process of designing text made up of tiny leaves, vines, and water droplets. While the tools and techniques used are straightforward, the tutorial emphasizes the importance of patience in achieving a complex and detailed final result. The outcome is a stunning and intricate piece of eco-themed artwork that showcases the beauty of nature. Watch tutor
How to Create a Folded Paper Text Effect in Photoshop
In this tutorial by New Layer, you'll learn how to create a folded paper text effect in Photoshop, where the letters look like they're peeling up from the page. The tutorial provides detailed, step-by-step instructions to guide you through the entire process, ensuring you can achieve a realistic and engaging effect. This technique adds a unique sense of depth and dimension to your text designs, making them stand out as if they were physically lifting off the page. Perfect for adding a creative
Create ripped paper portrait effect in Photoshop
This video will show you how to create a captivating ripped paper photo manipulation effect. Learn how to create a realistic tear that reveals a hidden image beneath, effectively layering two portraits into one unique composition. The video will guide you through using layer masks and selection tools to achieve a seamless tear effect, while also exploring techniques for adding texture and depth to the "paper" for a believable final outcome. Watch tutorial

Get tutorials & freebies delivered to you.

Subscribe to the Photoshop Roadmap newsletter, a weekly roundup of new tutorials, insights and quality downloads, trusted by 6500+ readers.

You might also like

How to Create Collage Text Effects in Photoshop

Collage text transforms simple typography into visually striking artwork by combining wrapped paper textures, strategic warping, and careful masking techniques. This creative approach gives letters dimension and character, perfect for artistic projects and unique design elements. The technique involves layering textured materials within letter shapes, then using Photoshop's...

How to Convert Low-Resolution Graphics to Vector Shapes in Photoshop

Pixelated logos and graphics lose their impact when scaled up for print or web projects. Photoshop's Creative Cloud Libraries feature offers a built-in solution for transforming low-resolution black and white images into crisp, scalable vector shapes. This technique works particularly well for simple graphics, logos, and icons that...

How to Use Photoshop's Select Subject Tool for One-Click Selections

Complex selections in Photoshop just became effortless. The Select Subject tool uses advanced AI to automatically identify and select main subjects in images, even those with intricate details like bicycle spokes or hair. This tutorial demonstrates how to achieve professional-quality selections with a single click, saving hours of manual masking...

Understanding Photoshop Blending Modes: A Complete Guide to Layer Blending

Blending modes transform how layers interact in Photoshop, letting you seamlessly combine images without complex masking. This technique reveals only light areas, dark areas, or specific colors from each layer. Master these essential blending groups to create professional composites and artistic effects with just a few clicks. Watch the Tutorial...

Photoshop 2026 New Features: AI Tools and Credit System Overview

Photoshop 2026 introduces powerful AI-driven features including advanced generative fill models, sophisticated upscaling tools, and seamless harmonization effects. These updates promise to streamline complex editing tasks while delivering professional-quality results. The software now operates on a credit-based system that divides features into standard and premium tiers, fundamentally changing how users...

How to Add Objects to Photos Using Photoshop's Generative Fill

Photoshop's Generative Fill transforms photo editing by letting you add realistic objects using simple text descriptions. This AI-powered feature creates seamless additions that match your image's lighting, perspective, and style. The process requires just a basic selection and a descriptive prompt to generate professional-looking results in...

You’ve successfully subscribed to Photoshop Roadmap
Welcome back! You’ve successfully signed in.
Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Success! Your email is updated.
Your link has expired
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.