Creating perspective shadows in PSP

(PSP Version 5 and above)

This tip involves the use of gradient fill tool and the deformation tool. The idea is to create long cast shadows that give a semblance of morning or evening time to the text.

Step 1
Open a new 200X100 pixel RGB image with a white background.

Step 2
Add a new layer to this image. Select a deep red color as foreground (R=0, G=0, B=128 or #000080).

Step 3
Click on the text tool and put some bold text at the top left corner of the image. (I've used Arial with 40 pt size in bold style).

Step 4
Select white as the foreground color (R=255, G=255, B=255 or #FFFFFF) and black as the background color (R=0, G=0, B=0 or #000000). Add another layer.

Step 5
Using the text tool add the same text to this new layer but do not deselect this text.

Step 6
Click on the fill tool , select Linear Gradient from the Control Palette and set the direction to 180 degress in "Options".

Step 7
Click on each alphabet to fill it with a linear gradient. Click on Image - Flip to flip the gradient filled text and place it below the original text.

Step 8
Use the Deformation tool to change the shape of the gradient filled text. Remember, to skew the text, press the SHIFT key. I've shifted the text to the right and also elongated it a little.

Step 9
Apply the changes. Change the opacity of the top most layer (the one that contains the gradient filled text) to 60.

Step 10
The final result show resemble the image below.