Creating a speech bubble in Photoshop CS5 is a fun and easy way to add some personality to your images. Whether you’re creating a comic book, adding dialogue to a photo, or just want to make a fun graphic, Photoshop CS5 has the tools you need to get the job done. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create a speech bubble in Photoshop CS5.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Create a Speech Bubble in Photoshop CS5
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly go over what we’ll be doing. We’re going to use the shape tools in Photoshop to create a speech bubble, then add some text to it, and finally, we’ll refine the bubble’s appearance to make it pop.
Step 1: Select the Ellipse Tool
First things first, you need to select the Ellipse Tool from the toolbar.
This tool will help us create the main, round part of the speech bubble. You can find it in the toolbar, which is usually on the left side of the screen. It might be hiding under the Rectangle Tool, so click and hold on that icon if you don’t see the Ellipse Tool right away.
Step 2: Draw an Oval Shape
Click and drag on your canvas to draw an oval shape.
This will be the body of your speech bubble. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try; you can always adjust it later. Just try to make it a nice, rounded shape that looks like it could contain some text.
Step 3: Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool
Next, grab the Polygonal Lasso Tool from the toolbar.
This tool will help us create the little tail that makes our oval shape look like a speech bubble. You can find this tool in the toolbar, perhaps hidden under the Lasso Tool. It’s the one that looks like a lasso made of straight lines rather than a rope.
Step 4: Draw the Tail of the Speech Bubble
With the Polygonal Lasso Tool, click on your canvas to create a triangular shape that connects to your oval.
Think of this as the pointer that indicates who’s speaking. You’ll want to place it on the edge of your oval and have it point towards the speaker’s mouth in your image.
Step 5: Fill the Tail with Color
Fill in your triangular selection with color to match your oval.
You can do this by right-clicking within the selection and choosing ‘Fill.’ Choose a color that matches or complements your oval. Now your speech bubble should really be taking shape!
Step 6: Add Text
Select the Text Tool and click inside your speech bubble to add your dialogue.
Type out your message. You can adjust the font, size, and color to fit your design. This is where you get to be creative and give your image some voice!
Once you’ve completed these steps, you should have a speech bubble that’s ready to add some dialogue to your image. It’s a simple process that can add a lot of character and fun to your work.
Tips for Creating a Speech Bubble in Photoshop CS5
Here are a few tips that will help you create the perfect speech bubble:
- Experiment with different shapes for your bubbles; they don’t always have to be oval.
- Use the Direct Selection Tool to adjust the points of your speech bubble tail for a more custom look.
- Play around with layer styles and effects to make your speech bubble stand out.
- Consider the color of your text; make sure it contrasts with the bubble for readability.
- Don’t forget about the tail’s placement; it should clearly indicate who is speaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create a speech bubble with a custom shape?
Yes, you can use any of the shape tools, or even draw a custom shape with the Pen Tool, to create your speech bubble.
How do I make my speech bubble transparent?
Reduce the opacity of the layer your speech bubble is on, or use layer effects like ‘Outer Glow’ for a semi-transparent edge.
What if I want to add a stroke or outline to my speech bubble?
Select your speech bubble layer and go to Layer > Layer Style > Stroke, then adjust the settings to your preference.
Can I add a drop shadow to make my speech bubble pop?
Absolutely. Go to Layer > Layer Style > Drop Shadow and play with the settings to get the look you want.
How do I move the speech bubble after I’ve created it?
Use the Move Tool (V) to click and drag your speech bubble to the desired location on your canvas.
Summary
- Select the Ellipse Tool
- Draw an Oval Shape
- Select the Polygonal Lasso Tool
- Draw the Tail of the Speech Bubble
- Fill the Tail with Color
- Add Text
Conclusion
Creating a speech bubble in Photoshop CS5 is a breeze when you know the right steps. This handy graphic addition can bring a sense of dynamism and expression to your images, and it’s a great way to inject some humor or dialogue into your work. Remember to play around with the shape, color, and placement of your speech bubble to make it fit seamlessly into your project. With the ability to customize the text, font, and style, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, give your pictures a voice, and let your creativity burst forth like the words in your brand new speech bubble!
Matt has been working with WordPress and creating content using this powerful content management system for years. While he has written about many other tech topics, WordPress is one of his favorites.
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