Web Development: How to Create a Magma Hot Text Effect in Photoshop

Friday, May 21, 2021

How to Create a Magma Hot Text Effect in Photoshop

Final product image — What You'll Be Creating

In this tutorial, we will explain how to create a magma hot text effect in Photoshop using layer styles and textures. Let's get started!

Interested in getting your hands on a Photoshop layer style to let you apply this magma texture effect (and several others) straight away? Take a look at the 100 Photoshop Layer Styles Bundle.

100 Photoshop Layer Styles Bundle - Text Effect

Tutorial Assets

The following assets were used during the production of this tutorial.

Smoke photography
Fire sparks flying in the nighttime
Magma Texture (included in the download file)
Background Texture (included in the download file)

What You'll Learn in This Photo Album Photoshop Tutorial

How to create a magma effect Layer Style
How to add a magma texture
How to add smoke and sparks textures

Follow along with us over on our Envato Tuts+ YouTube channel:

1. How to Create Magma Effect Layer Style

Step 1

First of all, open the "Background Texture" with Photoshop, and then write your text using the Type Tool (T). For this tutorial I've used the font Helvetica LT Std, but you can apply these techniques using any other font or shape. To achieve the same result as mine, create the text using Helvetica LT Std. In the Character panel (Window > Character), change the Size to 425 pt and the Kerning to -25.

Step 2

Double-click on the thumbnail of the "Lava" layer to open the Layer Style panel. Apply these effects:

Step 3

Duplicate this layer with Command-J, Right-Click on the layer's thumbnail, and choose Clear Layer Style. This way, the text below matches exactly the one above, and now we can add more effects. Use the settings listed below:

adding bevel and emboss layer style settings

2. How to Add a Magma Texture

Step 1

Place the "Magma Texture" into the document, behind the text, and modify it using the following Gradient Map. It is an Adjustment Layer that you can find under Window > Adjustments. Right-Click on the layer and then select Create a Clipping Mask.

adding a texture and gradient map to the document

Step 2

Be sure the texture is just above the background in the Layers panel, and then change the Blending Mode of the Layer to Linear Dodge (Add) and its Opacity to 36%. This will intensify the colors and the details of the background. Erase the edges using a big soft Brush (B) with hardness 0%, to have the brighter area just below the text.

changing the blending mode and removing the parts of the texture

Step 3

Select the two "LAVA" text layers, Right-Click, and choose Convert into Smart Object. Create a new "Shadows" layer below the text layer and use the Brush Tool (B) to add some shadows below the text. Use a black brush with hardness 0% and size around 280 px.

Step 4

Now add some orange bright spots using the Brush Tool (B) again. Apply a Gaussian blur, and change the Blend Mode to Linear Dodge (Add) and its Opacity to around 45%.

Step 5

Select the Smart Object, Duplicate it, call it "Smudged Layer", and finally Rasterize it (Right Click > Rasterize). We're going to blur the edges of the text, where it's hot and burning. We'll use the Smudge Tool (R), 30% Strength, with a circular brush with Hardness 0%. Smudge the edges as if they’re melting/blurred.

Step 6

Add some contrast with a "Curves" Adjustment Layer.

Step 7

Create a New Layer and with a Black Brush (B), Hardness 0%, draw some shadows over the text. Finally, reduce the Opacity of this Layer down to 40%.

Step 8

Add some orange lights, the same way we previously created some shadows. This time, set the blending options to Color Dodge, and we'll use a bright orange color. Use the Gaussian Blur under Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur to get these soft initial tones. Change the Opacity to about 50%.

Step 9

Add some highlights on top, paint with a Soft White Brush, and then set their Blending Options to Overlay.

3. How to Add Smoke and Sparks Textures

Step 1

Now Place the Smoke texture, removing the color by going to Image > Adjustments > Desaturate (Shift-Command/Ctrl-U). Adapt it to the text by removing unnecessary parts using the Eraser Tool and deforming with the Warp Tool (Command-T). It's very important to set the Blending Mode to Screen for every smoke image, to hide the black parts. Also use Levels (Command-L) to increase or decrease the contrast and use the Smudge Tool for final touches.

Step 2

Place the photo of sparkles into the document. Switch the Blending Mode of the Sparkles Layer to Color Dodge, and then use a Layer Mask to delete some areas, especially the ones outside the letters, because we don't need as many.

Awesome Work, You're Now Done!

Today you've learned how to create a magma hot text effect in Photoshop using layer style effects and textures. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial!

Looking for a magma texture pattern for Photoshop or some more effects similar to this magma effect? Take a look at this amazing collection of easy-to-use effects available on Envato Elements:

100 Photoshop Layer Styles Bundle - Text Effect (PDF, JPG, PSD)

This package of beautiful Photoshop styles will not only help you to create a lava text effect, but many other styles from a hot text effect to a wood style—in fact, almost any style you may need to create! All the styles are fully editable and can be customized to any of your design needs.

Ember Effect Photoshop Action (ATN, ABR, PAT, PDF, PSD)

Here's another great package in our hot Photoshop effects list! This action will not only apply an amazing lava text effect, but some other cool styles like magic and electric. In the ZIP archive you will find three PSD files and documentation to help you get started. Don't miss this high-quality and easy-to-use effect!

Hot Lava & Fire Photoshop Layer Styles (PSD)

Hot lava and fire photoshop layer styles

This product contains a magma effect and other fiery and hot Photoshop effects, which will help you to set your text or logo on fire in a few simple clicks. These 17 amazing and customizable styles are carefully crafted and will be a great addition to your collection of Photoshop effects.

Smoke Logo Text Effect (PSD)

This absolutely stunning Photoshop effect is a perfect choice if you want to add a realistic smoke effect to your text or logo. Create a polished result with endless customization possibilities due to the well-organized layer structure and detailed instructions.

Artistic Smoke Portrait Effect Template Set (PSD, PDF)

If you need a fiery effect for your photos or images, this action could be a great choice! It creates an amazing photo manipulation with no effort in a few simple clicks, and the final result is fully customizable. In total, you will find four stunning effects and detailed instructions to help you create a final result that best fits your photo.

Want to learn how to create a magma texture pattern for Photoshop or master some other techniques, tips, and tricks? Take a look at these tutorials: