Adding Text to Buttons using PSP

Instructions on how to add text to buttons using PSP 7 (other versions of PSP will work, just options/tools may vary): 

Open blank button in psp click on "Colors", "Increase Color Depth", then "16 Million Colors (24 bit)

Add text by clicking the "A" (text tool) from the Tool Palette. 

Choose text (in this instance "Wendy Medium") be sure "Antialias" is checked". Also be sure the Fill color is black and the Stroke color is shut off Then click "OK" to add text.

Next click on "Layers" and "Convert to Raster Layer"

*When using "Bickley Script", or any thin scripty type font, and the Antialias choice and such a small size, the font tends to be very light. So next you can click on "Effects", then "3D Effect", then "Cutout". Be sure that both cutout colors are set to black, the Vertical and Horizontal should be on "0", the Opacity "100" and Blur "4".  

To add shadow, click on "Effects" then "3D Effect" then "Drop Shadow". Vertical should be set to "1", Horizontal "1", Opacity "100" and Blur "5.5" and color I used is #755E47. 

Last, when you save the button, be sure to click "File", then "Export as transparent gif" or "Gif Optimizer" then, be sure the transparency is set to "none". Then click "ok" and save.

 I know, it's a lot of work, but will make your fonts look great on your buttons!

 

The above Close Window button code is available at Dynamic Drive.