How to Add Strokes to Text in Photoshop on PC or Mac

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: October 4, 2024 Fact Checked

Do you want to outline text in Adobe Photoshop? You can make a border around text using the stroke effect in a few simple steps. This wikiHow will teach you how to add a text outline using strokes in Adobe Photoshop on your PC or Mac.

Things You Should Know

Strokes are bold outlines that can be applied to any layer in Adobe Photoshop.
Right-click the text layer, click "Blending Options", then "Stroke".
You can adjust the Size, Position, Blend Mode, Opacity, and Color of your Stroke.

Steps

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1
Open Adobe Photoshop and launch a new or existing file.
- To create a new file, click File, then New....
- To open an existing file, click File, then Open....
  - Find your file using the File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).
2
Select the layer for your Stroke. You can create a new layer or use an existing one.^{[1]
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- To create a new layer, click New layer in the Layers panel menu.
- If desired, you can combine or unlock layers in Photoshop.
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3
Select the text tool and insert your text. Customize your text to your liking.^{[2]
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- You can center the text, change the text color, or use an added font.
You can find your text layer in the Layers panel.^{[3]
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It will be checked off when activated.^{[4]
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6
Adjust Stroke preferences. You can adjust the Size, Position, Blend Mode, Opacity, and Color.^{[5]
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- To adjust the Size, use the slider or manually input the value.
- To adjust the Position, select Inside, Center, or Outside.
- To adjust the Blend Mode, select your preferred mode.
- To adjust the Opacity, use the slider or manually input the value.
- To adjust the Color, click the color box and select the desired color. Click OK.
Your Stroke settings will be applied and saved.^{[6]
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